Judges settle voter 'principal residence' confusion

The judges in their separate ruling on a matter that was brought before them by one voter, Mothusi Maribe against Minister Dorcus Makgato, collectively agreed that though the word ‘principal residence’ has been used in different context in the particular it meant an ordinary residence or most important residence that is usually occupied by the person, with a degree of permanence and continuity.

“In other words principal residence as stated at section 67 (3) (a) of the constitution means a residence that the voter occupies as his usual home, occupied with a high degree of continuity and permanence at the relevant time,” reads Komboni’s ruling in a minority opinion.