25 Feb 2019

Batswana have been accused of ignoring important things which could positively impact their livelihoods.

 Appealing to the community to take advantage of the ongoing supplementary registration exercise, Kgosi Gokgathang Moalosi of Sankoyo village said it was disheartening that Batswana often showed interest in things such as elections. 

Speaking during a kgotla meeting addressed by Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Kgosi Moalosi stressed the need for all to take the exercise seriously and participate in both the registration and voting process .

By so doing, they would be enhancing democracy and good governance of their country, he said.

 In a bid to encourage registration, Maun-based IEC officers embarked on a public voter education prompted by the low turnout experienced during the ongoing exercise, especially in the two constituencies of Ngami and Okavango.

Principal election officer, Mr Guylord Ralokwae confirmed that their efforts were producing positive results as people were coming forth to register. 

He said their mission was to remind residents to take advantage of the supplementary registration exercise scheduled to end on March 31st.

“We found it fit to take services to the people at the same time sensitising them about the importance of taking part in the voting process,” he said.

He emphasised the need for every Motswana to register at their place of residence or place of origin explaining that it was illegal for a person to register at a place where he/she did not reside.

Mr Ralokwae further said that registration would help his office to develop voters roll and advised residents to check their identity cards well on time. ends