07 Feb 2013

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has plans to educate students about issues concerning elections.

IEC official in Palapye, Mr Lebonetse Maifala said during the party liaison committee meeting in Palapye on February 5 that students had to be informed about issues pertaining to elections to enable them to make right choices during the elections.

Mr Maifala said the need to engage students was prompted by a low turnout of youth during the past elections. “IEC is concerned that young people in schools and villages fail to cast their votes despite their eligibility to vote,” he said.

In order to disseminate information to the youth, he said IEC would conduct debate competitions in schools to give students a platform to interrogate issues of  democracy.

Regarding membership of demarcation committee, Mr Maifala said 25 committees would be formed nationwide which would comprise of community leaders, civic organisations and other senior government officials.

Palapye Administration Authority deputy district commissioner, Mrs Veronica Rabakane suggested that polling stations be introduced in places such as churches adding that they should also be made accessible to people living with disabilities.

For his part, Palapye deputy Kgosi Olebile Masego implored parents to encourage their children to cast their votes. ENDS