IEC should do better
Friday, February 09, 2024 | 40 Views |
One alarming observation is the apparent lack of readiness shown by the IEC. Despite the infrequent occurrence of general elections — once every five years — the Commission’s readiness appears questionable. The decision to employ civil servants as registration officers instead of engaging the previously engaged unemployed populace raises eyebrows and begs the question: Why the deviation from past practices?
Moreover, security lapses during the registration process have sparked unease. While security personnel were deployed to safeguard registration tents and furniture, the oversight in protecting registration books proved costly, exemplified by the regrettable incident at Marobela village where registration books were stolen. The glaring inconsistency in prioritising security measures demands scrutiny. If the sanctity of the electoral process warrants the exclusion of opposition observers, as evidenced by the IEC’s vigorous legal battles against the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change’s desire to observe registration, why does the safeguarding of registration books not receive equal attention?
While it is widely acknowledged that Khama holds the title of Kgosi, the government’s failure to properly gazette his recognition has raised serious concerns about adherence to legal procedures and the credibility of traditional leadership. (See a story elsewhere in this newspaper.) Recent court documents by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse, shed light on the intricacies of Khama’s recognition process....