15 October 2009
editorial
In the past, we have always commented on the way our general elections are run. We know very well that as part of society, we are an important part of the overall observer system that is always vital to a free and fair general election.
This is an important role and we take it with pride but most importantly with the seriousness it deserves. We have always recognised the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC) successful conduct of every election in the past. The IEC does this relatively successfully under the circumstances and most Batswana have respect for its role in ushering in a new government every five years. The IEC is thus an important role-player in the conduct of elections.
General elections are upon us yet again and the IEC has until recently done quite a laudable job of preparing for the polls so that every Motswana gets a fair chance to cast his or her vote. Record numbers have registered to vote thanks to the IEC. These people reasonably expected to get the chance to vote. However the IEC has made a tragic mistake - it failed to allow those who will be on duty during the day of the elections a chance to cast their vote. These officers now find themselves in that unenviable position of having to choose either to go and exercise their constitutional right to vote or to be on duty as other citizens cast their ballots.
It should never be the position of one group of citizens to choose between sacrificing their right to vote and helping their compatriots to exercise the same rights.
We would therefore like to caution the IEC not to take such matters as minor. Any number of people denied the right to vote has to be a serious concern. We think the IEC has not given this matter the seriousness it deserves. There is no point in having elections if they are not going to be free and fair. It is questionable how fair an election is if a number of people have been denied their right to vote. The IEC stands to lose credibility for this sorry mess. The commission's greatest asset is its independence and credibility. Only when people feel that they have been granted a fair chance to vote can the IEC claim the right to exist.
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