29 Dec 2016

Mr Gabriel Seeletso has underscored the need for political leaders to work jointly with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)  to achieve its mandate.
He said political leaders were key to the electoral processes hence the need for cooperation and collaboration amongst the organisation and themselves.
He said this when briefing councillors about the amended Electoral Act.
He stated that leaders and the commission had a duty to empower the society by providing it with relevant and correct information that would assist in increasing their participation in the electoral processes.
Mr Seeletso implored them to come to the party so that together they could make a difference by not fueling the fear of the unknown but provide correct information on the reforms, adding that they should promote civic and voter education among Batswana by providing accurate information on democracy.
“A strong partnership would not only enhance understanding of the electoral process but it would also give Batswana a voice in their country’s democratic dispensation. Let us all take away the reality that when times change, we have to change with them,” he added.
Furthermore, he told the leaders that it was intention of the commission to continue engaging them. He said the duties of the secretary of the commission had been extended to include the promotion of civic and voter education.
For their part, councillors welcomed the electronic voting machines noting that the machines would be an answer to challenges encountered during the voting process.
Those who had the opportunity to attend a workshop on the usage of the machines stated that indeed they were simple and user friendly.
They assured the commission a smooth cooperation to ensure the communities were sensitised about the machine.
They also called for more machines to be distributed to all IEC outstations so that communities could appreciate their usage when educating them.
Some councillors called on the commission to extend their outreach exercise to settlements.
Responding to their comments, Mr Seeletso assured them that a mop up exercise would follow at a later date to ensure inclusion of all human settlements across the country. ENDS