20 Jul 2018

Party Liaison Committee members have been urged to intensify public education on the electoral process.

A principal elections officer for Mahalapye West, Mr Tlhagiso Pilatwe observed that through feedback gathered from various community gatherings addressed by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), there was a need to strengthen public knowledge. 

Addressing a PLC meeting in Mahalapye on March 12, Mr Pilatwe noted that one of the issues of concern was that some members of the public were not aware that the ongoing continuous registration catered for only those who did not register during the general registration.

“We have recorded cases of individuals who were turned back by registration officers since they have already registered. Some have lost their cards and therefore wanted to replace them by registering again,” he added.

Mr Pilatwe said the development was a clear indication that public education was lacking.

However, he applauded PLC members for working on public education.

Mr Pilatwe said PLC members must be guided by the Electoral Act.

Despite the notable setback on public education, Mr Pilatwe said IEC officers were engaging the general public through various platforms.

He said during one of the recent stakeholders’ consultations with the leadership of faith-based organisations, there was also an emphasis on the need for PLC to intensify public education. 

Mr Pilatwe said the church and other community structures must play a role by encouraging people to register and contribute effectively to the democratic principles of the country.

Reflecting on the ongoing continuous registration, Mr Pilatwe said Mahalapye West constituency has registered 249 people, while Shoshong constituency registered 389.

As for the proposed supplementary registration scheduled for April 15 to April 28, 2018, Mr Pilatwe said the IEC would re-hire registration officers who were engaged during the general registration.

Meanwhile, elections officer from Mahalapye West IEC office, Ms Doris Hikwama also emphasised the need for IEC and PLC to be more visible.

“We are preparing for elections and where possible we have to meet regularly, we need your support to sensitise the general public. We want to see a free and fair electoral process and it will only be possible through the involvement of PLC,” she said.

On outreach activities, Ms Hikwama said Mahalapye West IEC office had conducted three workshops during the last quarters involving dikgosi in Mahalapye and political parties in the Shoshong constituency.

However, she was concerned by the poor turn up by some political parties. She, therefore, urged political parties’ representatives in the PLC committee to sensitise their party members of the importance of such workshops.”

The aim is to intensify education on the electoral process,” she added. ENDS