10 Jul 2014

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Wednesday (July 9) voiced concern at what it termed an “unbelievable” number of applications for voter transfer, saying the trend suggested voter trafficking.

IEC secretary Mr Gabriel Seeletso told Mogoditshane/Thamaga prospective candidates, returning officers and the police that the numbers of transfers were “phenomenal” and suggested there could be massive voter trafficking as the nation prepares for the 2014 general election.

Mr Seeletso said this was deducible from reasons advanced by those wishing to transfer. Mr Seeletso therefore appealed to candidates and political parties to desist from encouraging such transfers.

He said since voter registration was over, what remained was to get all the registered voters to vote on polling day. He explained there would not be another round of voter registration.

Mr Seeletso said while the commission facilitated the electoral process, the bulk of the effort towards running a smooth election, where all who registered voted, must come from the political parties and candidates. He advised all involved in the electoral process to demonstrate political maturity and commitment to democratic ideals.

Furthermore, he appealed to all political parties and independent candidates to subscribe and adhere to the electoral code of conduct. Mr Seeletso called on parties to also apply the code internally and follow its conflict resolution guidelines.

The code states that intimidation in any form will not be permitted in the run-up to elections. It also calls for party members and their supporters not to disfigure or destroy political or campaign material belonging to other parties.

Moreover, speakers at political rallies were cautioned against use of abusive language, or language which might incite violence in any form against any other person or group of persons.

Mr Seeletso revealed that Section 13 (b) of the electoral act had been amended to introduce alphabetical arrangement of the voters roll. He said this could contribute to reducing time taken to vote. It would also allow the introduction of a tally sheet during the counting processes.

Mr Seeletso said the boundaries between candidate names on the ballot paper had also been increased and the margins bolded to allow for ease of marking of the ballot paper and determining the voter’s intension.

Independent parliamentary candidate for Mogoditshane constituency Mr Richard Moleofe said at the same meeting that Botswana’s voter trafficking laws were outdated and needed changing.

Another parliamentary candidate for the same area Mr Chilliboy Rakgare said in the last elections, some civil servants were not able to vote, and wanted to know what arrangements were in place to ensure they voted in the upcoming general elections. Mr Rakgare also wanted to know how secure their vote was.

Council candidate Mr Palelo Motaosane condemned candidates blame-shifting and said they should own the electoral process as they were also key stakeholders, instead of blaming the IEC.

Other candidates called on the IEC to ensure transparency in its business. They also pointed out that some individuals went around collecting registration cards from voters. The candidates expressed concern that some people who had registered did not appear in the voters roll while some appeared under places they did not register.

Responding to some of their concerns Mr Seeletso urged candidates not to dwell on, but to learn from past mistakes to ensure there were no irregularities in the October elections. He said it was the mandate of the IEC to treat everyone equally and to not give regard to political affiliation.

He also said civil servants and returning officer voted first if they worked in places they did not reside, and their votes were very secure. He said the verification process ensured there was no cheating. Finally, he said no person was allowed to collect registration cards from voters. ENDS