19 Oct 2014

Advanced voting for polling staff held on Saturday, October 18, was faced with some challenges countrywide. 

In Gaborone, it seemed there was confusion regarding polling districts and some voters had to be re-directed to their respective polling stations.

At the Gaborone civic centre, returning officer, Mr Mpho Mathe said that resulted from the delimitation commission that moved some wards from Gaborone Central to Gaborone South.

Mr Mathe also explained that some voters were sent back because they did not have accreditation letters showing their eligibility to vote. He also stated that some voters arrived as early as 6 a.m while voting started at 8 a.m. 

At Babusi Hall, returning officer, Ms Grace Seitshiro, said there was only one polling agent belonging to Umbrella for Democratic Change while others did not turn-up. At Ledumang Senior Secondary School, some voters had to wait for some time as ballot papers for some wards ran short and presiding officers had to collect extras from the IEC offices. 

In Selebi Phikwe, vorting in both constituencies was delayed due to shortage of ballot papers for council wards. Selebi Phikwe's town clerk, also the returning officer in the Selebi Phikwe West constituency, Mr Poloko Mojalemotho said that was due to the unexpected number of voters.

He explained that the number of officers who would be on duty on polling day had increased because both returning officers and desk officers were included in the roll.

He said as soon as they realised shortage of ballot papers, they contacted the IEC headquarters and also extended the closing time from 6 p.m to 7 p.m. Mr Mojalemotho also said they had a challenge where one of the parliamentary candidature boxes was not open but they used the council ballot boxes instead.

Another challenge, he added was that of some officers did not produce appointment letters and therefore, they failed to vote on Saturday. They would only vote on Friday (Oct 24). 

In Kanye, it was reported that power cuts and shortage of ballot papers halted the voting process.  The affected polling stations in Southern District were Moshupa/Manyana, Mmathethe/Molapowabojang and Kanye North and South constituency headquarters.

In Kanye North constituency, power cuts delayed the voting process thus voting continued until 10:30 p.m when electricity was restored.

In Molepolole, voting was delayed at Motswasele polling station in Molepolole North constituency. Returning officer, Ms Utlwanang Kerekanang confirmed the incident saying it was due to unexpected number of voters. 

She said they also encountered the same challenge at Magokotswane, Boribamo East and West wards.  Ms Kerekang further said some voters only voted for parliamentary candidates and could not wait for the arrival of ballot papers for the three council wards.

Returning officer for Molepolole South constituency, Ms Tlotlego Rampha said voting went well at Kgari Sechele Secondary School polling station. ENDS