09 Feb 2017

Coordinator for Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) Mr Gabriel Seeletso has dispelled confusion and  fears raised by some residents of Serowe West constituency against the use of the EVMs in the next general elections, on Wednesday.

When responding to concerns about the security and durability of the machines as quizzed by residents, Mr Seeletso said that the machines were safe from potential hackers and was able to retain information even in the event of failure.

Mr Seeletso informed the Serowe West constituents that it was provided for that makers of the machines be available for consultations and maintenance during the elections if local technicians fail.

However, the EVMs coordinator has assured that everyhing was in place to ensure the safety and security of the envisaged new voting gadgets.

Mr Seeletso informed the electorates that the machines were expected before the end of the year whereupon voters would be taught on the use of such prior to elections.

Consequently, Mr Seeletso called on all politicians from across political divide to accept EVMs and disseminate relevant information key to the use of the EVMs to the voters despite having voiced opposition before the electoral amendment bill was signed into law by the President in September 2016.  

The coordinator argued that time for arguing on merits and demerits of the machines was up and called on Batswana to brace for the new developments.

Mr Seeletso said the EVMs would eliminate spoilt votes and therefore save time and budget on the part of election organisers.

He said that, like in the previous arrangements of ballot papers and boxes, visually challenged voters would be catered for.

The coordinator informed electorates that the purpose of the amendment was to enhance efficiency in the management of elections. The four major amendments to the electoral act are on civic and voter education, nomination requirement, cancellation of supplementary voter registration and increase in penalty fines for election related offences. ENDS