02 Sep 2014

President Lt  Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama on Tuesday September 2 swore in the newly - appointed members of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). 

These are Justice Abednego Tafa who is the chairperson and members: Mr John Carr- Hartley, Ms Shaboyo Motsamai, Mr Alpheous Matlhaku, Mr Molefe Phirinyane, Ms Agnes Setlhogile and Ms Martha Sayed.

A press statement from the Office of the President states that during the formal swearing in ceremony, the President congratulated the commissioners and advised them to ensure that Botswana’s record of free and fair elections is upheld.

The statement explains that President  Khama further indicated that Botswana has extended an invitation to SADC to observe the elections, highlighting that there could be further requests for observer status from other international organisations as well as local NGOs.

He underscored that this is the trend internationally and that these exercises will furthermore underline the transparency that Botswana is renowned for in this regard.

The press release  says as required by and in accordance with section 65A of the Constitution,  the Judicial Service Commission met on August 29 to appoint the new IEC members. Ends