02 Jul 2018

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chief elections officer, Ms Patricia Mmoloke has urged councillors to encourage voters to register in the upcoming voter registration exercise slated for September 3 to November 11.

When addressing the on-going Kgatleng District Full Council in Mochudi, Ms Mmoloke said councillors were stakeholders who work with people daily, therefore should use the opportunity to sensitise their electorate on the importance of registering to vote and voting. She also said taking part in the upcoming voter registration exercise, the electorate would be preparing to exercise their right to vote.

Ms Mmoloke also encouraged councillors to familiarise themselves with electoral laws so that they do not violate them.

She said the recent bye-elections had revealed that voters do not keep their voters cards safe, which delayed election processes, while some tried to use expired identity cards. Ms Mmoloke encouraged the councillors to advise their voters to check their identity cards well on time.

She said the IEC office is already getting ready for the 2019 elections, revealling that the commission would engage unemployed youth as registration clerks and supervisors as a way of providing employment for them.

She also said the posts were advertised all over the country and the commission had received large numbers of applications, which they are already replying to for follow up interviews.

Moshawana Councillor, Mr Joseph Setoutwe said the registration period was short, and there are people who will miss it due to different circumstances  such as work.

He also raised concern that the polling stations for Bollatshwene residents are far, leading to them spending a lot of money on transport. Sikwane/Mabalane Councillor, Mr Molatlhegi Jautse said the IEC should cater for people living with disabilities by giving them first priority and ensuring that they are well taken care of during the voting processes.

Bokone Ward’s Councillor Molefe Mosothwane said the IEC did not consult them on other issues pertaining to the office, which he said was worrisome.

He said for IEC to achieve its mandate, it should work hand in hand with all its stakeholders and always communicate updates.

Responding to Moshawana councillor’s concerns, Kgatleng principal elections officer, Mr Gakenosi Motshwarakgole said there would be new polling stations their polling station on time and to save transport money.ENDS