15 Oct 2014

Principal elections officer in Bobonong, Mr Segopotso Sakwape, has implored polling agents and returning officers to be careful and resolute during election day.

Speaking during the training of returning officers and polling agents in Bobonong on October 10, Mr Sakwape said during the voting and counting process, the atmosphere was often hostile and unstable.

He said the training was meant to prepare them for the testing moment and advised them to read and understand the electoral act, which would assist in the process of elections.

The election officer said in some instances, some polling agents or returning officers got intimidated by the atmosphere created by politicians but they should conduct every activity according to the electoral act.

“Do what the law regarding elections requires you to do and do not panic succumbing to pressure from electorates or candidates,” he advised, adding that they should strictly observe opening and closing times of the polling stations during the day of elections.

Another speaker, returning officer for the Bobonong constituency, Mrs Dorcas Olebile said an election was a sensitive process that needed to be handled with maximum care following all processes to the latter.

Ms Olebile said elections were a serious activity for the country and those given the responsibility to run it should pay attention to every detail and give it the seriousness it deserves. She said the training was key to equip them with regulations of handling issues that might occur during the day of voting and counting. ENDS