IEC chops 348 polling stations
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday September 14, 2018 18:00
The IEC says the review of polling stations was done after assessment of the 2014 turnout, looking at the low numbers at some stations, security of election officers, population mobility, availability of built-up structures and congestion of polling stations in a polling district.
However, critics say after the review, some voters will have to travel extended distances to exercise their democratic right next year, discouraging many and distorting the final outcome of the elections.
Some are reading sinister motives in the review saying at ward and district levels, the polling stations favour certain candidates and parties over others.
A letter, amongst many written by councillors, from Dichabe Seitshiro of Tlokweng central ward said: “I don’t understand why your office had decided to cut Dinyanakgokong homestead polling station while it registered 925 voters in 2014, as compared to those that were left or existed.
“Again, I am worried about the alignment of two polling stations, which now exist- one being, Matlala Junior Secondary School and Nkaikela Kgotla - that are 600 metres apart. The two polling stations are close and again not in the centre where voters are. The two are along Zeerust road”.
Seitshiro said this move would discourage voters to register for elections because they would be forced to walk long distances to register.
He continued: “Again if another polling station is not considered, there would be a long queue during Election Day. We have not agreed about this issue as the community”.
However, the IEC maintained that the community guidance from IEC forums informs the decision on the final location of polling stations in a polling district.
“The distance as stated may be determined by many factors including existence of public institutions, which are used as polling stations.
“Further justification on the matter may be provided after ascertaining physically the distance being communicated in the question.
“We don’t see how the 600 metres is a problem because situations vary depending on circumstances. The more densely populated a place, the closer the polling stations and the reverse is true,” IEC spokesperson, Osupile Maroba said.
He said the polling station was a tent in the 2014 general elections, which had logistical challenges, and despite having registered such number of voters, it could be easily absorbed by Matlala JSS polling station in the vicinity.
He continued: “That is the reason it was phased out. If at the end of the registration exercise, Matlala JSS will have registered a big number of voters, appropriate measures will be put in place to manage the numbers and prevent congestion.
Responding to Mmegi enquiries following an outcry from Tlokweng constituency, the IEC spokesperson explained that they have cut down polling stations from 2,606 locally and 38 externally to 2,260 and 36, respectively.
“These are polling stations which are currently used for the ongoing general voter registration.
“Review of polling stations is a standing arrangement by the IEC and the exercise is undertaken after every delimitation exercise and as and when the Secretary directs (mostly after the general elections following the delimitation exercise) in accordance with Section 5(2) of the Electoral Act,” the IEC spokesperson said.
He said there are several factors considered during the review, which include amongst others, congestion of polling stations in one polling district, low or no turnout of voters during voter registration or voting, security of election officers during voter registration or voting, population mobility, availability of built-up structures.
Adding that during the review, cost was not a factor of consideration.
Maroma admitted that they are aware of such unofficial complaints and they are being addressed accordingly.
In 2014, Mmantshetlhamotlhaba homestead had registered 558 voters, Dinyanakgokong homestead 925 voters and Matlala junior school had 202 voters.