29 Oct 2023

Counting of ballot papers at voting stations  in areas without adequate security could be risky

The Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said this  during a kgotla meeting he addressed in Toromoja on Friday.

He said that counting ballot papers at voting stations to address any chances of cheating or tampering, as suggested   by some members of the public could be risky.

This, he said was a decision made by the Independent Electoral Commission after conducting a research. 

Mr Tsogwane said an individual was free to place a tag on a ballot box to ensure it was never opened or follow it when transported to the counting station.

He also briefed residents that the Electoral Voting Machine (EVM) would not be used during the 2024 general elections as it was rejected by some members of the public in 2014, some arguing that had potential to have inaccuracies.

He further informed residents that people were free to stand for elections at any place even if it was not a place of principal residence however, the challenge would only be that one could not vote at an area that was not his/her place of principal residence.

The Vice President implored Batswana to register for elections and exercise their right to vote a party of their choice.

“Your vote could protect this country,” he said .

He said Boteti polling districts had increased from 18 to 27.

A resident, Mr Russian Nyawe had asked if EVM would be used during the 2024 elections, while Mr Stephen Kandengaiza asked if a person was allowed to stand for elections in an area that was not his principal place of residence.

Village Development Committee chairperson, Ms Ceclilia Ndjavera expressed concern about voter apathy saying people were not voting in large numbers. 

She called for a mindset change and encouraged residents to register to vote. Ends