Electoral Governance ยท Lesotho
The Independent Electoral Commission has written to the Minister of Finance demanding that Acting Director of Elections Lydia Macheli be formally designated as the Commission’s Chief Accounting Officer within 14 days, warning that continued inaction constitutes a breach of statutory duty and threatens the constitutional independence of the institution.
The Independent Electoral Commission has sent a formal letter to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning requesting the urgent designation of its Acting Director of Elections as Chief Accounting Officer, citing mounting legal obligations under the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act 2011 and the National Assembly Electoral Act 2011.
In the letter, dated 12 May 2026 and signed by IEC Chairperson Rev. Dr John Maphephe, the Commission says the designation is not a matter of administrative convenience but a statutory requirement with direct consequences for the Commission’s ability to manage public funds appropriated by Parliament.
The substantive Director of Elections resigned in February 2026. The Commission subsequently appointed Ms Lydia Macheli as Acting Director of Elections with effect from 10 February 2026, and formally communicated the appointment to the...
