28 Aug 2016

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) proposes to phase out some polling stations in Palapye and Lerala/Maunatlala constituencies.

A representative from IEC, Mr Oaitse Thipe informed councillors during the sub-council meeting on Thursday that polling stations were created to reduce congestion thus the IEC secretary may from time to time add to the number of polling stations established in any polling district or vary the situation within a polling district of any polling station established as per the Electoral Act.

He said therefore the IEC embarked on a series of consultations to assist in the review of the current 2606 local polling stations in the 57 constituencies and 490 polling districts.

He said this review was not mandated to reviewing constituency, political ward or polling district boundaries and will therefore not affect in any way how the electorate will be represented either at Local Government or National Assembly level.

He said therefore his office made consultations with stakeholders who recommended phasing out some of the polling stations.

He said some areas had too many tented polling stations hence were reduced and  relocated to areas where there are facilities, taking into account the convenience, security and safety of staff.

He said some polling stations were situated in areas that posed danger to registration officers, poll staff and voters due to isolation and prevalence of wild animals.

In addition he said some of the affected areas are areas nearer polling district boundaries as they confused voters, while some polling stations have very low turn-out.

Some of the proposed polling stations to be phased out in Palapye constituency are Mmantshadidi tent polling station in Morupule ward, Dikabeya mobile health stop and Sajwe kgotla.

However this proposal was met with mixed reactions from councillors who requested IEC to do thorough consultations with relevant stakeholders even though the commission consulted with those stakeholders.

Some councillors who were against the proposal said some polling stations should be left as they are there because of people in those areas.

Those who welcomed this proposal said this will help address issues of voter trafficking particularly in polling districts that share a boundary.

They also commended IEC for proposing streaming polling stations that have a high number of voters. ENDS