20 Oct 2024

Those who were eligible to vote in the Saturday advance polls, but could not, either due to ballot paper shortages or procedural controversies will be accorded an opportunity on October 26. 

In a Botswana Television update, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chairperson, Justice Barnabas Nyamadzabo said that out of 51 polling stations abroad, 10 experienced ballot shortages, and measures would be taken to ensure adequate supplies for the October 26 voting. 

The IEC secretary, Mr Jefferson Siamisang announced that voters from three constituencies; Thamaga/Kumakwane, Tati West and Kanye East would be able to cast their ballots then. 

Advance voting is designed for individuals who will be working on election day such as police officers and election officials. 

Mr Siamisang said voting in the Thamaga/Kumakwane constituency proceeded smoothly until, at the time when the election officers were packing to leave, a candidate snatched ballot papers and fled in a vehicle. 

The incident, he said, disrupted the process and the matter was handled by the police. 

In Tati West, he said one council candidate’s name was omitted from the ballot papers, causing confusion. 

Meanwhile, in Kanye East, voting was halted due to a mix-up with the ballot papers that could not be rectified. 

Despite earlier assurances that the advance poll was successful across all 61 constituencies, Mr Siamisang acknowledged several challenges. 

He noted that the shortage of ballot papers stemmed from a lack of accurate voter information, which led the IEC to prepare for only 12 000 voters, a number that ultimately proved insufficient. 

The IEC is working round the clock to ensure a smooth voting process for the Saturday election, and arrangements will also be made for voters from other constituencies to participate on October 30. 

These includes redeploying election officers to facilitate voting near voters’ registered locations. 

Mr Siamisang stressed the importance of political parties understanding the Electoral Act, particularly regarding the requirements for advance voting, where parties are permitted one polling agent compared to two during general elections. 

The commission plans to address all outstanding queries. Ends