20 Nov 2019

 Planning for the next electoral cycle has begun following a multi-stakeholder post-election review seminar on the general elections held on October 23.

Speaking at the official opening of a two-day review seminar, hosted by Botswana Centre for Public Integrity (BCPI) in Gaborone November 19, the organisation’s executive director, Ms Pusetso Morapedi explained that the objective of the seminar was to reflect on the past elections in order to adequately prepare for the next electoral cycle.

“The specific objectives are to assess the adequacy challenges of the legal framework supporting various stages of the 2019 electoral process and recommend improvements to it, identify strengthens and weaknesses including and not limited to voter registration, voter education, logistics and training, election campaign, vote tallying and results management, polling day activities and election dispute resolution, gender inclusiveness and to recommend any improvements,” she said.

Again, she said the seminar aimed to assess the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) partnerships with electoral stakeholders including political parties, media, civil society, women, youth and people living with disabilities, among others as well as identify concrete strategies and innovative initiatives for meaningful collaborations.

BCPI vice president, Ms Sizweni Carleton highlighted the need to continue growing and building such platforms and also expressed gratitude to delegates for attending the seminar.

Ms Carlton said the seminar provided stakeholders opportunity on how to contribute better to the democratic ideals of a society.

“We have the potential and capacity to continuing joining hands in developing our country and Africa at large,” she said.

The seminar was coordinated by a renowned South African political analyst, Dr Victor Shale. Ends