14 Apr 2020

The by-elections to fill the vacancies in Metsimotlhabe and Boseja South Polling Districts have been suspended indefinitely due to COVID-19 outbreak.

A media release from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) states that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has engulfed the country, the President in accordance with the Emergency Powers Act (Cap 22:04) Section 3 (2) (d) provides for the President to suspend the operation of any law in the interest of public safety.

The release further states that the President has therefore, enacted Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations, 2020-Statutory Instrument No. 63 of 2020, published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 35 of April 9, 2020, suspending the implementation of Section 18 (1) of the Local Government Act.

The by-elections were supposed to be held before end of May

The by-elections follows the passing on of the elected councillors for Metsimotlhabe Polling District in the Gabane-Mmankgodi Constituency on February 22 and Boseja South Polling District in the Mochudi East Constituency on February 26 this year.

According to the release, it was expected that, in accordance with Section 18 (1) of the Local Government Act, the by-elections ‘be conducted within three months to fill the vacancies.’

It further states that voters of the two affected polling districts and Batswana at large will be informed accordingly of any developments relating to the vacancies.

The release also advised voters to keep their voter registration cards and National Identification Cards (Omang) safe. Ends