06 Oct 2016

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama has assented to the Electoral Amendment Bill and signed it into law.

The Independence Electoral Commission (IEC) secretary, Mr Gabriel Seeletso told the media in Gaborone on Tuesday that the law ushered in new electoral reforms.

Among other things, the law provided for introduction of electronic voting, cancellation of supplementary  registration and increase of candidates’ deposits and fines.

Mr Seeletso refuted claims that IEC had already bought the electronic voting machine (EVM).The IEC, he said, was still drawing specifications on the machine and government’s tendering process would be followed to purchase the EVM.

He said the envisaged devise should not be network based; it should be reliable, user friendly and be able to meet Botswana’s adverse geographical conditions as well as provide value for money.

In addition, Mr Seeletso said they were looking for a devise that would not require electricity to function but would be battery powered. “The battery is envisaged to last for over 20 continuous hours of use,” he said.

The IEC scretary said though the machine would be in use in the next general elections, the voters roll would continue to be used.
Voters, he said, would still be required by law to attend in person at a polling station where they registered to vote.

He said supplementary registration would be no more, adding that, “there will be only one registration window whose timing and duration remain the prerogative of the commission”.  
Mr Seeletso said Batswana residing outside the country and advance voters would in the 2019 general elections continue to use the ballot voting system to cast their votes.

He urged all media houses to promote civic and voter education following amendment of the Electoral Act.
He called for provision of accurate information on the electoral process and democracy in general.

Mr Seeletso said the commission intended to continue with stakeholder engagement, adding that political parties had already been addressed on the amendments.

He stated that cities and district councils would be addressed, adding that meetings in all constituencies and in each of the 490 polling stations will be organised including a mop up exercise that would cover settlements and other relvant groups.   

He emphasised the need for cooperation and collaboration between IEC and principal stakeholders to drive the message home.  Ends