06 Oct 2019

Ramotswa constituency elections officers have been requested to exercise caution in their decision making as elections are highly emotive.

The advice was made during a poll staff training workshop in preparation for the upcoming general elections at Lions Park recently.

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) principal elections officer, Ms Pelonomi Selemogwe-Kwaramba told the seminar, which was attended by presiding and polling officers as well as polling agents, that adherence to the law was key in dealing with any occurrence.

She said election officers must ensure that their actions were within the confines of the law, especially the Electoral Act and the constitution.

The electoral law, she said, took all involved step by step in conducting elections to the required standards.

“Elections are conducted with the seriousness they deserve,” stated Ms Selemogwe-Kwaramba.

She however said the IEC secretary general could also issue instructions. Ms Selemogwe-Kwaramba said election officers must do their work with the highest standard of professionalism, impartiality and fairness.

The consequences of unprofessionalism would be too risky as the IEC would be accused of favoritism, she said.

Officers were advised to rise above the challenges that came with the election environment.

She told presiding officers that they would have a major role of controlling proceedings at polling stations as well as ensuring that order prevailed.

Ms Selemogwe-Kwaramba further advised that while offering assistance to voters in need, presiding officers should ensure the secrecy of the ballot was not compromised.

Any deviation from the process would be recorded as media, local and international observers would be present, she warned.

Ms Selemogwe-Kwaramba said in familiarising international observers with the elections process, they were also trained on what to expect to.

“They will know when you do not follow the process,” Ms Selemogwe-Kwaramba cautioned.

She told the seminar that no objections were registered in the constituency, and that none had been disqualified from voting.ENDS