15 Sep 2024

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has rejected 565 voters’ registration applications in Francistown, across all the three constituencies. 

IEC Secretary, Mr Jefferson Siamisang, revealed this when addressing Francistown councillors on Thursday.  

Of the 565 rejected applications, 218 are from Francistown East, 225 from Francistown West and 122 from Francistown South constituencies. 

He highlighted that the IEC system could only register an elligible voter once, adding that  the rejected applications were of voters who were attempting to register more than once.

 Mr Siamisang further said of the 1 300 000 registration target, 80 per cent, which is 1 038 261 voters were registered. 

He thanked different stakeholders who encouraged Batswana to register, stating that it was one of the qualities of good leadership. 

Mr Siamisang said voters transfer was one of the major concerns as some voters wanted to transfer in order to traffic votes to their desired politician’s area. 

He advised councillors to desist from encouraging voters to change their area of voting so  that they vote for them, saying this was  country’s aim to hold free and fair elections. 

Mr Siamisang said voters transfer was conducted under very strict conditions and was only allowed if an applicant had valid reasons, which could include work transfer, marriage and divorce leading to relocation, amongst others. 

He added that lost voters registration cards could be renewed until October 29. Ends