Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Launches National Joint Operation Center (NATJOC)

MASERU, Lesotho, August 30, 2022/APO Group/ — 

In preparation for the 2022 general elections in October, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) launched the National Joint Operation Center (NATJOC) on Monday at an event held in Maseru.

The NATJOC is a committee mandated to provide security and oversee that the country holds free and fair elections. This committee will continue its work for a month after the elections.

Speaking about the NATJOC, the IEC Commissioner, Mr. Tšoue Petlane said the country has one month and one week before general elections, saying the launching of NATJOC is a big step in preparation for the general elections.

Mr. Petlane said NATJOC will work on issues of elections from the beginning of the election process and even after the election period, further noting that the NATJOC team is important because elections need to happen in a safe environment.

He mentioned that the security forces are responsible for facilitating the safety of the general elections since the day of elections was officially announced.

He said despite the increase of political parties registered for elections, IEC is ready to hold the national elections, noting that the number of political parties to contest in the upcoming general elections this year has increased from 27 to 65.

On the same note, the IEC Commissioner, Dr Karabo Mokobocho-Mohlakoana thanked the NATJOC committee for their contribution during the elections thus helping the IEC to reach its mandate of providing free and fair elections

Moreover, she said they should always remember that they are in control of ensuring that the elections process runs smoothly with all security protocols in place observed.