Maseru, February 4 — An unrestrained period at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) ended in the immediate resignation of Director Advocate Mphaiphele Maqutu, coinciding with the newly appointed Commissioners’ decision to recall suspended staff members.
Among those recalled are the Public Relations Manager (PRM) Mr. Tuoe Hants’i, the Procurement Officer, an accounts officer, an election officer assigned to Roma, and a driver. The specific reasons behind Advocate Maqutu’s resignation have not been disclosed; however, it is widely believed to be related to the Commissioners’ newfound mandate to reinstate previously suspended and dismissed staff, as well as to free those on three-month contracts.
Commissioner Dr. John Maphephe confirmed Maqutu’s resignation but did not elaborate on the decision. He noted that the former Director had sought a private meeting to discuss operational issues with the Commissioners, a request they declined, insisting that all discussions occur in the presence of departmental managers.
In a striking development, the newly appointed Commissioners highlighted that some staff members had been receiving salaries while remaining at home, despite temporary staff taking over their roles. This prompted the Commissioners to call for a review process, which includes the reversal of recent staff redeployments and the reinstatement of those on suspension.
The controversy intensified when the Public Relations Manager allegedly faced dismissal for inquiring about the whereabouts of the former Director. Following this incident, the PRM sought intervention from the Directorate of Dispute Prevention and Resolution (DDPR), which advised the former Commissioners to mediate the conflict. Unfortunately, the Commissioners did not comply with this recommendation, leading to further discord within the organization.
The unfolding events at the IEC underscore the challenges of managing operational effectiveness and staff relations in electoral management, especially amid transitions within leadership.
Ends/MP/BM
