24 Sep 2014

In preparation for the coming general elections, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) trained returning officers for Palapye and Lerala/Maunatlala constituencies.

Addressing returning officers during a one day workshop held in Palapye on Tuesday, September 23, principal elections officer, Mr Lebonetse Maifala said returning officers would carry out the nomination exercise for both the National Assembly and Local government on September 25.

Mr Maifala informed returning officers that every candidate must be nominated by proposer, seconder and seven supporters with their names appearing in the constituency in which a candidate seeks election. He said such people should sign the nomination form.

He cautioned returning officers to check the validity of national Identity cards as such failure to produce valid identity cards could lead to rejection of the nomination papers.

They were also made aware of the possibility of receiving payments for elections from candidates on the nomination day.

Mr Maifala said no nomination is declared valid unless the candidates produce a receipt as proof of payment of P500 for National Assembly and P100 for Local Government elections at any government revenue office.

He said alternatively the candidate can pay the amount at the time of delivering the nomination paper to the returning officer.

Furthermore, he said returning officers shall reject nomination paper on the grounds that the candidate does not possess the qualifications or possesses the disqualifications prescribed by the law.

He said the returning officers’ decision on the nomination of candidates was final and could only be challenged on an election petition.

In addition, he implored them to adhere to the Electoral Act, adding “in elections there are no discretions decisions should be taken in line with the law.”

For her part, the deputy District Commissioner Ms Veronica Rabakane said returning officers should show a sense of responsibility and accountability.

She said it was upon them to ensure that the country conducted fair elections that would restore peace and tranquility. 

Nomination for National Assembly will take place at Palapye Rural Administration Centre whilst that of Local Government will take place in various areas identified within the polling districts, he said.

Nominations will be held between 9am and 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.

Palapye constituency has 10 polling districts whilst Lerala/Maunatlala formerly called Tswapong North has eight.

The writ of Elections was issued on September 10 by President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama in accordance with Section 34 of the Electoral Act. 

Meanwhile from Gumare, a BOPA reporter Bakang Segokgo reports that a training workshop was held for returning officers and their assistants, where they were advised to read and understand the Electoral Act in preparation of next month’s general elections.

The acting District Commissioner (DC) Mr Thabang Dikatlholo called on officers to do their work diligently as general elections are very sensitive. He advised them to consult if they are not clear on certain sections of the Act. 

For his part, the IEC chief elections officer, Mr Dintle Rapoo encouraged the returning officers and their assistants to work hard during the elections as they would be in charge of their constituencies.

He informed officers about the nomination and voting process, as well as their responsibilities such as the collection of voting equipment, ballot boxes, booths and papers.

Officers also wanted to know how they were expected to treat senior citizens and handle nominations of independent candidates. ENDS