IEC must provide foolproof registration process :: Mmegi Online

In this piece I intend to interrogate whether the registration of elections in Botswana is free and fair. Also, whether there is need to apply a set of safeguards against abuse by interested parties during the registration exercise intending to boost their chances during polling.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has set the period between September 3 and November 11, 2018 for registration of the 2019 General Elections. It is quite apparent that the amended Electoral Act has not come into effect despite its enactment by Parliament at some point at night in December 2016 or thereabout.

It has remained On Notice since assented to by the President, as is the case with every Act of Parliament before it becomes part of our laws. Should the Act not come into effect, it may only apply to some future elections after the 2019 General Elections. The current electoral law shall therefore continue to be the law governing our elections.

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