Jwaneng-Mabutsane calls for stiffer electoral fines

The committee, comprising of different political parties, non-profit making organisations and other stakeholders in the electoral process, made the suggestion on Tuesday in Jwaneng at a workshop aimed at reviewing the Sekoma council by-election which was held early this year, as well as come up with new strategies that will promote transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Section 81 of the Electoral Act prohibits candidates to spend more than P50,000 in elections and that it is a criminal offence that carries a maximum imprisonment term of two years or a fine not more than P400 or  both. However the committee complained that the election process is expensive in nature and the maximum prescription of P50,000 is far too low and should be reviewed. They also advised that the fine and imprisonment term do not appear to carry the same weight and suggested that the fine should be raised to send a warning message to the perpetrators.