04 Sep 2024

The Secretary of Independent Electorate Commission (IEC), Mr Jefferson Siamisang raised alarms regarding the significant surge in applications for voter transfers.

He indicated that this troubling trend pointed towards potential voter trafficking.

Speaking about the general election processes and preparedness, Mr Siamisang reported that Maun office was  currently overwhelmed with requests from voters seeking to transfer their registration within the three constituencies of the North West region.

Although he refrained from providing specific figures since the transfer application process began on August 14, he emphasised that the unprecedented volume of transfers had raised serious suspicions about voter trafficking—an act deemed not only undemocratic but also punishable with a fine of P5 000.

Mr Siamisang noted that similar issues have been reported in  Ghanzi and Charles Hill, expressing concern over allegations that some voters were being transported by prospective candidates to facilitate the transfers. He urged candidates and political parties to refrain from encouraging such behavior, reminding them that it was the voter’s responsibility to initiate a transfer and provide valid reasons for doing so.

“We should not allow voters to transfer willy-nilly.”

During the meeting, Siamisang faced criticism from some political party members who believed the IEC was falling short in assisting voters. In response, he clarified that the law empowers the IEC to reject transfer applications lacking valid justifications.

Emphasising the importance of adhering to the electoral code of conduct, Mr Siamisang called upon all electoral stakeholders to respect the rule of law to ensure the smooth operation of the upcoming general elections. He reminded political parties that they were crucial players in the electoral process, urging them to act responsibly and to guide their electorate in a disciplined manner.

He outlined acceptable reasons for voter transfers, which include forced changes of residence, alterations in employment location, marriage or divorce, or other compelling factors necessitating a change from their original registration location prior to elections.

In addition, Mr Siamisang said that the IEC had successfully registered 80 per cent of eligible voters for the approaching general elections. 

He said that IEC had set a target to register 1.3 million but stated that they had experienced an increase compared to the 2019 general elections in which they registered 73 per cent of the set target.

The names in the voters roll, he said, have been verified and certified by the relevant authority as per the Electoral Act.

The  North West region, he said had registered 46 513 voters. The three constituencies within North West are as follows: Maun East with 12 413 voters, Maun West with 16 601 voters, and the newly established Maun North, which boasts 17 499 registered voters. It was also noted that 341 registrations were rejected by the system—85 from Maun East, 135 from Maun West, and 121 from Maun North—primarily due to the individuals being registered elsewhere.

Mr Siamisang underscored that rejected voters must cast their ballots at their initial registration locations, as the system in use does not permit dual registrations..

In response, some councillors called on the IEC to accelerate processing of transfers saying some voters stay long on queus at the IEC  offices for  assistance. Cllr Kaukapita Kaukapita of Sedie said “some voters arrive at the office around 4am and spent the whole day waiting to be helped.

He accused the officers of denying those who qualified for transfers the opportunity to be facilitated. Ends