28 Jun 2018

Employees of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) have been urged to be resilient and remain resolute to the principles of electoral integrity.

Speaking at the IEC excellence awards ceremony for 2017/2018 at Mahalapye on June 25, commissioner Alpheus Matlhaku said elections were tainted with perceptions, pessimism, doubts and suspicions making them prone to conflicts.

“The fact that they are susceptible to conflict makes those who manage them to be always emotionally challenged and tested,” he said.

Commissioner Matlhaku therefore, said the electoral process called for resilience, high level of emotional intelligence and morally grounded individuals who abided by the principles of the commission.

He commended IEC employees for carrying out their work diligently.

“Working for this organisation is tantamount to taking an oath to the country and accepting nothing but professionalism in your conduct,” said Mr Matlhaku.

He said working for the IEC called for a high level of good work ethics.

Mr Matlhaku further said democracy was a subject that could not be separated from the virtue of integrity.

“Without mechanisms that nurture and sustain and without subjection to scrutiny, it would be as good as being a fallacy or mirage,” he said.

As such Mr Matlhaku said upholding democratic principles would require men and women with a high level of professionalism who uphold the interest of the country as a priority issue at the expense of their personal interest.

“I have no doubt that the team  gathered here is no other than the committed souls serving the commission,” he said.

He said the IEC banked on its employees when the going gets tough noting that the mandate of the commission was achieved through collective efforts of dedicated individuals.

The gathering, he said gave employees an opportunity to introspect, get feedback on their performance by rewarding those who excelled during the course of the year.

“We are here to attest that their efforts are recognised and appreciated and show those who did not receive rewards that they can do it,” he said.

Commissioner Matlhaku said being true and committed to the country called for sacrifice.

“You denied yourselves, your families and friends the luxury of time and this must be applauded,” he said. ENDS