27 Sep 2023

Residents of Shakawe have expressed gratitude that Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) would soon open office in their village. 

They made the remarks at a consultative meeting with IEC secretary Mr Jefferson Siamisang recently.

Mr Siamisang informed the residents that the office would open before the end of October to help bring services closer to the people of Okavango West and East.

He said the people of Okavango were known for registering for elections in high numbers therefore urged them to do the same this year since registration for the general elections was set for November 1 to 30, adding that the public was advised to register for elections at their principal residences in accordance with Electoral Act.

He said registering at a non principal residence was an unlawful act punishable by law to a penalty of P5 000 or plus two years prison sentence as well as removing the perpetrator from the voters roll. Mr Siamisang said those who trafficked voters were likely to be fined P7 500 and two years prison sentence.

He however said that the law allowed voters with convincing reasons of relocation to transfer after registration to a different poling district. He said voter trafficking caused friction between contesting political parties as well as between the parties and IEC. 

He said voters should therefore exercise responsibility and register to vote accordingly.

MP for Okavango, Mr Kenny Kapinga said the proposed office in Shakawe was a welcome development. 

He said elections were an important yet sensitive process that built the country. 

“For elections to go smoothly it has to start with you as voters. You should be responsible for your decisions and not be swayed by politicians,” he said.

He said political parties should also practice fairness at their primary elections like they expected IEC with general elections.

Okavango District Council chairperson Mr Gaopalelwe Ronald thanked IEC for opening the Shakawe branch prior to national voter registration. He said voter trafficking perpetrators should be penalised.

Shakawe West’s Cllr Lesedi Boy appreciated the proposed office and the increased number of polling stations, whilst Mr Dimbongo Dinyando said that the penalty for voter trafficking should be increased as the act was rife. 

Mr Ditunga Mbote appreciated the sensitisation on voter processes by IEC, adding that politicians were to blame for voter trafficking. ENDS