28 Aug 2019

All prospective candidates for the 2019 general election have been urged to familiarise themselves with electoral laws and ensure compliance.

The district commissioner, Mr Keolopile Leipego urged them to work as a team with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to ensure a smooth, fair and transparent general election exercise.

He pleaded with the prospective candidates during an engagement meeting to sensitise them about what was required and expected from them in the conduct of elections and also to update them about the preparedness of the exercise.

The meeting was also for them to appreciate the legal provisions on candidate nominations processes and procedures and the provision of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties.

Mr Leipego challenged them to read the act, understand it and apply it, noting that the election process was guided by the law, hence all engaged should abide by it. He said the act was meant to protect them and stated that those who violated it would be punished accordingly. He said Batswana were well known for Botho, peace and tranquility, hence the need to maintain the standards as they approached the election exercise.

He appreciated that the exercise was not an easy task, but stated that it required cooperation, respect, and support from all candidates. He also revealed that the general election attracted attention, regionally and internationally and emphasised the need to act in an acceptable manner and protect the image of the country.

Chief election officer, Mr Jacob Motlhanka appraised the meeting about the electoral legal framework and some challenges encountered along the journey.

He mentioned some of the challenges such as voter apathy, an overwhelming number of independent candidates, language barrier, and inadequate resources to reach all areas and illegal registration, among others.

He also expressed concern about some people who abused social media to proliferate fake news and spread propaganda, which could affect the election process.

He also urged candidates to get prepared for the nomination exercise, noting that they should ensure that they meet all the needed requirements. Candidates were advised to check their Omang cards and their supporters’ cars as failure to produce Omang would render their nomination papers rejected.

They were also called to deposit P500 for National Assembly and P100 for local government election on time.

Mr Motlhanka also informed the prospective candidates that where the candidate belonged to a political party, he or she shall be allocated the symbol of the party on the production of proof from the party while independent candidates were required to produce proof of approval from the IEC secretary.

He said failure to produce a proof of symbol shall render the nomination invalid.

Candidates also heard that the IEC would implement the election expense clause, which called for all candidates to declare the money expended for management of election by candidates after the issuance of a writ of election.

Principal election officer, Mr Guylord Ralokwae briefed the meeting about corrupt practices and penalties for such.

He mentioned some of the corrupt practices such as bribery whereby a candidate would be offering a gift or making a promise in order for them to connive with another person to or not to vote. Another practice was undue influence, where people use force, violence or cause harm to another person to compel them to vote or refrain.  

Penalty for corrupt practices, he said included a fine not exceeding P400 or imprisonment term not exceeding six months or both. Candidates were also taken through the code of conduct during the run-up to election. Ends