09 Feb 2023

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) stands ready to demarcate constituencies into polling districts or council wards. 

The IEC Secretary, Mr Jefferson Siamisang told BOPA in an interview on Wednesday that the organisation’s rollout plan was dependent on the Delimitation Commission findings. 

He said once the Delimitation Commission report is published, they would swing into action.

Mr Siamisang explained that the delimitation process systematically divided the country into constituencies for the purposes of electing representatives to Parliament, while the division of constituencies into polling districts was for purposes of electing representatives to a local authority.

He clarified that the demarcation exercise was important to redistribute population in order to prevent unbalance across constituencies or polling districts, while the establishment of polling stations was intended to ensure accessibility of electoral processes such that registration and voting be at the convenience of the voter.

He said another reason for the demarcation was for planning purposes.

Mr Siamisang said after the demarcation of polling districts or wards, the IEC would name the polling districts and designate polling stations.

He reiterated that the establishment of polling districts and polling stations would be done soon after the report of the Delimitation Commission was out. 

He highlighted that demarcation of polling districts and establishment of polling stations were both sensitive assignments, adding that if not done properly, they might lead to unnecessary disgruntlement and political unrest.

Mr Siamisang said because it would take the secretary long to complete the task, to fast track the process he would delegate the responsibility of demarcation to committees, which would be set up in each constituency across the country.

He said the committees would be chaired by district commissioners and or district officers, while officers of the IEC based in those districts would coordinate the committees on behalf of the IEC Secretary.

Furthermore, he said his wish was to have quantity surveyors included in each committees in order to assist in gazetting land in terms of geographical features.

The IEC secretary expressed hope that the committees would be appointed, trained and tasked in three to four months’ time after the delimitation report had been handed over.

Mr Siamisang explained that the committees’ assignment included paying particular attention to population density, population quota, communication, geographic features and existing patterns of human settlements, constituency boundaries, existing boundaries and community interest.

“I expect the committees to adhere to impartiality, professionalism, transparency, teamwork, inclusivity, credibility and Botho,” he said.

Mr Siamisang said once concluded and done properly, the demarcation exercise would pave way for the national voters’ registration exercise, which he said would be done towards the end of 2023. Ends