14 Aug 2019

 Deputy District Commissioner, Ms Goitseone Nkwe-Tabane implored members of Political Liaison Committee (PLC) to join hands with the Electoral Independent Commission (IEC) to ensure free and fair elections.

Maun Administrative Authority (MAA) official made the remarks during the PLC meeting at Maun recently.

The meeting was meant to sensitise members on progress made towards the preparations for the upcoming general elections.

She urged the committee to act in good faith and avoid giving their interests priority, but rather understand that they are representing the nation hence the need to follow procedures and what the Electoral Act dictates.

Ms Nkwe-Tabane also called on political leaders to teach their electorate to respect the general election process and display good conduct during the voting period.

She said it was disturbing that some voters come to polling stations while under the influence of alcohol and displayed rowdy behaviour.

She stressed the need to teach them about the electoral cycle and encourage them to abide by the law, citing that when people are urged to register at the place of principal residence they should do so to avoid trouble.

The MAA official also called on members of the public to avoid sharing fake election dates, stating that the President was the only one who had the powers to set the date and make such announcement.

Ms Nkwe-Tabane said currently, Parliament had not been dissolved and advised them to wait patiently until dissolution takes place in accordance with the law.

Some members of the committee complained about some faith-based organisations that did not take part in the voting process and emphasised the need to engage pastors to teach their congregations about the importance of voting.

They said while churches had different days of worship, there was need to respect the Constitution of the country and general election.

The PLC appreciated the presence of ministers fraternal representative in their committee and their efforts to hold prayers for peaceful general elections and stability in the country.

Pastor Terrence Sechele, who is the chairperson of Minster’s Fraternal noted that members of his committee were not aligned to any political party.

It is for that reasons that members of the community were discouraged from wearing their party colours during the recent prayer meeting.

Another burning issue discussed was a high numbers of transfers in the area.

The meeting was informed that IEC office continued to receive requests for transfers.

Kgosi Mauricio Bendu said the candidates were the ones encouraging transfers as they influenced people to do so enticing them with money.

He blamed candidates for organising drinking sprees prior to the voting day, hence the fowl behaviour displayed at voting points.
Meanwhile, principal election officer, Mr Guylord Ralokwae shared with the committee that efforts had been made to sensitise the electorate about the importance of participating in the electoral process.

Apart from scheduled meetings they have informative bill boards to reduce voters apathy.

Mr Ralokwae admitted that his office was experiencing a high number of transfer requests within while a few were outside Maun, noting that most of the requests were from workers going on transfers.

He also informed members about the nomination procedure and that the exercise would soon commence. ENDS