06 Jun 2018

Party Liaison Committee (PLC) members from Molepolole, Mogoditshane and Letlhakeng have been advised to refrain from politicising the committee.

Addressing Kweneng District councillors and PLC meetings in Molepolole recently, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chief information education officer, Mr Dintle Rapoo explained that the PLC aimed at addressing electoral issues.

“I am aware that you are here representing political parties, but it is important to understand that PLC is not a political forum and should be given the sensitivity it deserves, hence we need to exercise self-restrain to accommodate others,” said Mr Rapoo.

Mr Rapoo said this in response to accusations levelled against IEC officials by some committee members that IEC officials supported the ruling Botswana Democratic Party.

Some committee members accused the IEC of having allowed the amendment of the Electoral Act, which resulted in the introduction of the Electronic Voting Machine,  without any consultation with Batswana.

Regarding payment of sitting allowance for PLC members, Mr Rapoo said the matter had been brought before the relevant authorities.

Members also raised a concern regarding the safe keeping of voter registration books.

Similar sentiments were also expressed by Kweneng District councillors, saying IEC should ensure that registration books were kept safely.

They also asked why a National Referendum Exercise was not conducted before the amendment of the Electoral Act.

Mr Rapoo however advised councillors that only the entrenched section of the constitution could be changed through a referendum, but the fact that the Electoral amendment Act of 2017 was a non-entrenched section of the constitution and there was no how it could have been made through a national referendum.

As for the suggestions that police offices be used for safe custody of voters’ registration books, the Molepolole Regional chief election officer, Ms Patricia Mmoloke advised that due to the vastness of the area as well as the logistics required, the suggestion might not be feasible.

Meanwhile, Kweneng District Council chairperson, Mr Jeffrey Sibisibi had earlier raised concern over the growing tendency of late coming, which disturbs council business.

Cllr Duke Mafhoko of Mmankgodi advised the council chairperson of powers bestowed upon him by the standing order to take appropriate action against individual councillors to help improve the appalling state of affair.

“We blame the chair for entertaining late coming because the standing order empowers him to take appropriate action in case the council business is constantly hindered by late coming when he is present in the council chamber. You need not to waste time, but act accordingly,” said Cllr Mafhoko. ENDS