17 Sep 2024

The five recently appointed  commissioners of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) yesterday took oath of office before President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi as they commenced their constitutional tenure as the board leading the national elections governing institution.

Messrs’ Kennedy Piet, Maotoanong Sebina, Uyapo Ndadi as well as Ms Elizabeth Masire and Ms Wame Thanke were sworn in by President Masisi, who started proceedings by making appropriate citations of the statutes that mandated the occasion.

He said the IEC, established in 1997 under section 67a of the Botswana constitution, allowed for a chairman, currently Justice Barnabas Nyamadzabo, a judge of the high court appointed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), plus the five commissioners, also appointed by the service commission.

Dr Masisi said the mandate of the commission was the conduct and supervision of the elections of members of the National Assembly, giving instruction and directions to the Secretary of the IEC, ensuring that elections were conducted efficiently, properly, freely and fairly and performing other functions that may be prescribed by an act of Parliament.

The President expressed confidence that the five commissioners would discharge their functions amicably, and noticed their countenance of faith in each choosing to use the Bible for their swearing in.

He expressed hope that this would be expressed in meaningful and impactful contribution guided by their moral belief and statutes of law.

The chairman and members of the commission hold office a period of two successive terms that commence at the dissolution of Parliament. Ends