The newsroom debate
Ryder Gabathuse | Monday February 12, 2024 06:00
Although there is a provision for supplementary voter registration in the law, the authorities must be worried as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) target of registering at least 1.3 million people for the impending polls remains just wishful thinking. It must, however, be noted that the voter registration exercise was preceded by protracted legal battles between the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and the body in charge of elections, the IEC, with the former even having gone to court seeking to observe the voter registration exercise, a prayer which did well at the high court and only to be overturned by the Court of Appeal. The above battle aside, what could be the source of this apathy, which has even left the IEC itself worried about the registration turnout in the first round of the exercise? Mmegi’s Arts&Culture coordinator, Goitsemodimo Kaelo, suggests that while the issue of pushing or encouraging people to register to vote is not entirely the responsibility of the IEC, they have a role in ensuring that people do understand the importance of voter registration. “The IEC did not do enough to empower people on voter registration education,” Kaelo insists.
He holds a strong notion, that “the situation was not helped by the political parties that are yet to conduct their primaries. A voter wants to know first who the candidates are before they decide whether they want to register to vote or not. The voter registration was also marred by controversy, as the UDC case against the IEC took centre stage”. He further suggests that instead of focusing on public education, the IEC was forced to devote its attention to defending the court case. The stable’s sub editor, Morongwa Phala-Goodwill, responded to a query about whether the IEC and its stakeholders adequately promoted voter registration for the elections. She expressed that more effort could have been undertaken. “The IEC and relevant stakeholders in the voter registration process fell short of the targeted 1.3 million voters, raising questions about efforts to attract sufficient numbers,” she adds.
The gatekeeper highlights possible causes for this shortfall could include inadequate awareness campaigns, logistical challenges, or a lack of targeted outreach to specific demographics. Analysing these factors and implementing corrective measures, Phala-Goodwill says it will be elemental for future voter registration drives to meet such an ambitious objective. She feels the IEC should prioritise a comprehensive assessment of its awareness campaigns, ensuring they effectively reach diverse demographics. Addressing logistical challenges and implementing targeted outreach programmes, especially in areas with lower registration rates, is essential, she opines. Additionally, she says, leveraging technology and community partnerships can enhance accessibility and encourage broader participation in the voter registration process. Continuous communication and transparency about the importance of voter registration and its impact on democratic participation should be central to their strategy. She adds: “For instance, refining messaging is crucial for the IEC to improve voter registration numbers. The focus should be on clear and compelling communication about the significance of voter registration in shaping the democratic process. Tailored messages addressing specific concerns or barriers that may deter potential voters could also be developed. Emphasising the ease and importance of the registration process, alongside highlighting the impact of individual participation, can be powerful motivators”.
Furthermore, Phala-Goodwill indicates that utilising various communication channels, including social media, community forums, and the local language, can help ensure the messages resonate with a diverse audience. “Not enough is done to combat voter apathy,” she bemoaned, adding, that the IEC should launch educational campaigns emphasising the importance of voting, foster transparent communication to build trust, engage communities through forums and outreach, improve accessibility to registration and polling locations, target eligible youth through social media and relevant events, leverage celebrity endorsements, and consider non-monetary incentives for high turnout areas. Implementing these strategies consistently, along with year-round engagement efforts, can help create a culture of active and informed civic participation.”
For his part, the stable’s news editor (acting) Spira Tlhankane says the IEC cannot force horses to drink. To him, the IEC and UDC case was a major factor in delaying the whole registration process but people still knew that this civic duty was awaiting them one way or the other. In his opinion, he thinks people want to be paid or begged to do their responsibility describing it as “sad”. “The IEC and any other stakeholder can educate and inform the nation about the importance of registering to vote but in the end, it is up to individuals. There is this saying, ‘You can take a horse to the water but you cannot force it to drink’ and this perfectly defines the situation between Batswana and the IEC,” he pronounces. He orates: “One thing Batswana should know is that by registering and voting they are not doing any favours for politicians. People who ignore this civic duty sometimes think that their one vote in a sea of the IEC’s 1.3 million target, cannot make much of a difference, but they are wrong. By voting they will be choosing who gets to represent them at government level.” Tlhankane articulates that governments make decisions about every part of Batswana’s lives from health to the very same laws that shape our communities. “Voter suppression is a problem in other countries so Batswana should be grateful that they still have their voice and that no one is making it harder for them to vote,” he enthuses. Mmegi’s Francistown-based correspondent, Lebogang Mosikare states that first and foremost, the IEC is not mandated by law to conduct civic and voter education. The court and political correspondent discoures that the IEC has, however, done everything in its power to sensitise people to register for elections. “The problem with the low voters’ registration numbers is that Batswana have this tendency, which in my humble opinion is bad, that they think that there will be supplementary registration. This tendency must stop forthwith because it hits hard on the country’s fiscus. Money that could be used for other deserving national needs ends up being used on the election budget,” Mosikare reasons. Also, the writer further suggests that it is the responsibility of political parties and/or their activists as key stakeholders of elections to encourage people to register for elections. “The IEC has done its job and it cannot force people to register for elections. Voting in Botswana is not compulsory,” he shares similar sentiments as Tlhankane.
For her part, Mmegi political reporter, Tsaone Basimanebotlhe strongly feels that the IEC could do better in managing the registration processes. “I believe it is time it (IEC) engages churches, civil organisations, and Dikgosi. Even if political parties are key players in the elections, this would help to avoid election registration being politicised,” Basimanebotlhe says, indicating that it has since become evident that political education is vital.