08 Oct 2014

In preparation for the October 24 general elections, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) held a training workshop for election officers in Lobatse. 

Addressing thea one-day workshop recently, principal elections officer, Mr Richard Senthumoleng said elections should be conducted efficiently and that officers should ensure that they execute and perform their duties effectively on polling day.

He informed prospective presiding officers and other personnel that they were charged with the duty to ensure that the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality and fairness in conducting elections were upheld. Mr Senthumoleng said presiding officers were charged with the responsibility of controlling proceedings at polling stations and maintaining order.

He said they also had to monitor the actions of all election officers who were duty bound to uphold Botswana’s tradition of free and fair elections.

He said while offering assistance to voters, presiding officers should ensure that such assistance did not induce the voter to compromise his/her secrecy. He informed election officers that in the event of conflict in interpretation, the provision of the Electoral Act should prevail.

He said all election officers would be permitted to cast their votes on October 18. “Voting on that date is only meant for officers who will partake in administering the poll on October 24,” he said.

He noted that nominations of MPs and councillors in Lobatse and Goodhope-Mabule constituencies went well. ENDS