Matlanyane relents to IEC pressure

…as she designates Macheli as IEC accounting chief

…Commission hails move as victory for governance and accountability

Moroke Sekoboto

THE Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has secured a major victory in its months-long standoff with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning after Minister, Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane,  finally designated Acting Director of Elections Lydia Macheli as the commission’s Chief Accounting Officer (CAO).

The appointment brings to an end a bitter dispute that had threatened to spill into the courts, with the IEC accusing the government of undermining its constitutional independence by refusing to recognise Ms Macheli in the role.

IEC chairperson, Dr John Maphephe, announced this week that the commission had received a letter dated 4 June 2026 from Dr Matlanyane formally appointing Ms Macheli as CAO for the 2026/27 financial year.

The designation marks a dramatic turnaround from the minister’s earlier position that Ms Macheli was not “fit and proper” to assume the post.

In a letter dated 27 May 2026, Dr Matlanyane rejected the commission’s request to designate Ms Macheli as CAO, citing concerns over expenditure she allegedly authorised between 10 and 20 February 2026.

“It is the opinion of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning that the nominated candidate is not fit and proper to assume the role of Chief Accounting Officer of the Independent Electoral Commission,” Dr Matlanyane wrote at the time.

“This conclusion arises from her conduct in authorising, through her signature, expenditure between 10th-20th February 2026. Such authorisation is contrary to the precepts of the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act No. 12 of 2011 and inconsistent with your own account in our meeting, wherein you indicated that authorisation for the use of funds was being undertaken by other directors.”

The rejection intensified a dispute that began shortly after Ms Macheli was appointed Acting Director of Elections in February following the resignation of former Director of Elections Advocate Mpaiphele Maqutu.

The IEC had argued that under the law, the finance minister was obliged to designate the Acting Director of Elections as CAO and had no discretion to reject the commission’s choice.

The commission also complained that the ministry’s objections appeared to be linked to claims that Ms Macheli was under investigation by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), allegations that the anti-corruption agency later denied.

At the height of the dispute, Dr Maphephe accused government officials of interfering in the affairs of the constitutionally independent electoral body and warned that the commission was prepared to seek judicial intervention to settle the matter.

However, in a letter dated 4 June 2026, Dr Matlanyane formally appointed Ms Macheli as CAO.

“In terms of Section 4(g) of the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act 2011, I appoint you as Chief Accounting Officer for the Independent Electoral Commission for the 2026/2027 financial year,” the minister wrote.

She further directed Ms Macheli to execute her duties in accordance with the Constitution, the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act, the Public Service Act and the Public Procurement Act.

Welcoming the development, Dr Maphephe told the media this week that the appointment would strengthen governance, accountability and operational stability within the commission.

“The designation was made in accordance with Section 4(g) of the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act, 2011,” Dr Maphephe said.

“The Commission welcomes this development as an important step towards strengthening institutional governance, financial accountability and operational continuity within the IEC.”

He said the appointment empowers the Acting Director of Elections to oversee the management of public resources allocated to the commission while ensuring compliance with all applicable financial management and procurement laws.

Dr Maphephe also said it would enable the IEC to continue executing its constitutional mandate without disruption.

“The Commission further reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent financial management,” he said.

“The appointment of a Chief Accounting Officer ensures that the Commission can continue to execute its constitutional and statutory mandate efficiently and without interruption.”

He added that the Commission was also strengthening its financial planning and oversight mechanisms through the establishment of a Budget Committee aligned with government budgeting and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework requirements.

According to Dr Maphephe, the Committee would help align resources with the commission’s strategic priorities, monitor performance and promote value for money in the delivery of electoral services.

The resolution of the dispute comes as the IEC continues implementing electoral reforms recommended by regional and international election observer missions while recruiting a substantive Director of Elections.

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