18 Jun 2026

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) secretary, Mr Jefferson Siamisang says low citizen voter turnout in both general and local bye elections is not just a statistical trend but a direct challenge to democratic legitimacy. 

Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday, he for instance, said 52 per cent of the overall national eligible voting population casted a ballot in the 2024 general elections, representing 845,318 voters from a roll of 1,038,275 validly registered voters.  

High voter participation, he said was one of the key indicators of a healthy democracy.  

He also highlighted that apathy has been a long standing challenge for the organisation historically citing a 45 per cent turnout at the 2023 bye-election in Serowe West from a total of 9,829 registered voters. 

Post the 2024 general elections, the declining turnout trend still remains a matter of paramount concern for the electoral management body as they reported a 66 per cent turnout rate from a total of 706 registered to vote in the December 2024 Chobe Enclave bye-election in the Chobe constituency.

The 2025 Kgalagadi South bye-election also attracted a 64 per cent participation rate from 18,456 voters who actually registered raising distress as the IEC views this democratic deficit with utmost gravity. 

“Voter participation remains the cornerstone of effective representation of democracy and the IEC remains committed to addressing the declining voter turnout. It is a matter of paramount institutional concern for us,” Mr Siamisang.

He also stated that achieving higher voter turnout could be challenging especially when relying on traditional election methods.

As a result, the electoral management body is in the process of implementing a number of reforms key to enhancing the efficiency of the overall election process. 

However, recently the IEC launched a new Electoral Management System which promises improved security and data capacity to ensure that democratic processes remain secure, transparent and accurate.

“The system has already passed quality assurance and we have begun the data migration process in preparation for the 2029 general elections and any future by-elections to be held,” cited Mr Siamisang.

As another measure to address voter apathy, he cited improved equal accessibly and visibility as a facilitator to full citizen participation. 

IEC has increased its footprint, recently opening service centres in Lerala under the Tswapong South Constituency as well as in Mabutsane under the Jwaneng-Mabutsane Constituency.

Additionally, Mr Siamisang highlighted that voters in the Thamaga-Kumakwane Constituency and those in Shoshong could also expect closer access to IEC services as their pipeline offices were expected to be operational by the end of 2026. ENDS