Batswana urged to turn up as voter registration starts
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday January 5, 2024 11:06
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) kick-started the voter registration process today in preparation for the October general elections.
However, many major parties have not yet begun their primary elections, contributing to the anxiety of some voters.
Political parties which have not yet held their primary elections include the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Alliance for Progressives (AP), the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), among others.
Nevertheless, President Mokgweetsi Masisi has encouraged all Batswana citizens to register to vote in large numbers.
In a message delivered via social media today, the President urged Batswana to put the past behind them and move forward.
On the other hand, the IEC spokesperson, Osupile Maroba, acknowledged that the failure of certain parties to hold primaries could impact voter registration.
He said the IEC has a tight schedule due to constitutional requirements and urged Batswana to be aware that the general elections are this year. One of the constitutional requirements is that Parliament should be dissolved 60 days before the general elections.
According to Maroba, the IEC could not afford to wait for political parties to hold their primaries, as there is a limited amount of time before the general election.
Maroba clarified that voter registration is for general elections, but people who have registered to vote can also participate in a referendum on the Constitution.