26 Jan 2015

 The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has orientated voters at the Good Hope ward in the Good Hope-Mabule constituency. 

The ward would have a bye-election on January 31 after Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and Umbrella Democratic Change (UDC) received the same number of votes in the October 24, 2014 general elections.

Speaking during a kgotla meeting recently, the regional principal election officer, Mr Leshe Toteng told residents that the objective of the meeting was to sensitise registered voters about the importance of voting during the elections as well as to encourage them to be ready for voting.

He advised voters to bring along valid identity cards and their registration cards, adding that if they lost their cards, an arrangement was there to issue them copies after the meeting to be able to vote. 

He however, encouraged voters to get their copies before the election day as they shall not be issued on voting day, adding that January 27 and 30, had been set aside for issuing registration card copies for those who could not get them after the meeting. 

He noted that voters would follow the same procedure like that of last year, use the same areas they used as well as the same voters roll.

Mr Toteng further informed voters that, on election day, the same IEC principles shall be observed which guide and keep order, adding that on that day, candidates were not allowed to campaign within 200 metres of the polling stations, voters would not be allowed to wear party symbols, and that no dangerous weapons shall be carried around the polling stations.

When answering a question from one of the residents on whether colours matter during this day, Mr Toteng said colours do not matter on clothing, as long as they had no party messages. 

Residents complained about procedures during last years’ elections, adding that the service was too slow, which resulted in some voters going home in despair.  However, Mr Toteng promised the residents that all relevant staff will be re-trained before the elections to ensure that proper service will be delivered to voters.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Kgosi Rrammidi Mbenyane hailed the IEC officers for their efforts in sensitising voters about all the important procedures and code of conduct to be observed on the election day. ENDS