IEC expects registration numbers to soar
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday February 6, 2024 06:00
Some politicians have expressed concern about the registration numbers. The IEC's target for registered voters was 1.3 million, but as of last week, the actual number fell less than half of that goal, reaching 451,870 by January 27, 2024. “We remain hopeful that the final number of registered voters will be higher than in previous years.
There was a surge in registration on the last day, as many voters waited until the last minute to register,” said IEC spokesperson, Osupile Maroba, adding that a final update is expected today (Monday). He also said others prefer to register during supplementary registration.
Despite criticism of the IEC for low voter registration, the underlying issue may be voter disillusionment with unfulfilled campaign promises. Many eligible young voters, according to interviews conducted by The Monitor, see little point in registering as they believe their vote won't significantly impact their lives.
Oagile Kebonamang from Ramotswa expressed the sentiment that registering to vote isn't worthwhile without job opportunities or programmes to support the unemployed. “As youth, we feel that the government is neglecting us. We are graduates but we are suffering because of a lack of jobs.
Again, our Member of Parliament (MP) and councillor have not been interacting with us to know our concerns. We only saw them trying to be closer to us last year in December because they want our votes,” he stated. Similarly, an elderly voter, Realeboga Omphile of Magopedisana, noted discouragement from registering due to various issues, including water shortages, high unemployment rates, and a lack of consultation by local representatives.
“I am a blind person and the reason why I came today is because I did not want to queue," he said.
Catherine Kereetsamang, registering at the Toronto Polling Station, highlighted widespread frustration with the high cost of living, job losses due to COVID-19-related closures, and the private sector's struggle for salary increases. "Honestly, people need jobs while those who are in the private sector cry about a lack of salary increase. Things are very expensive nowadays,” she said. These sentiments were shared by different voters, explaining the late registrations and the reluctance of others to register to vote.