The voter registration crisis for 2024 General Election

Dumelang Saleshando | Monday December 4, 2023 06:00

1.4 As things stand, we are behind schedule with the registration process and do not know when the process will commence and the duration over which it will take place. If this issue is not resolved soon, it is likely to cast a dark shadow over the entire electoral process leading to an election outcome whose credibility may be questionable.

1.5 The BCP believes that political parties are the primary stakeholders in the electoral process in a multi-party constitutional democracy. All the political parties that contest elections wish to be accorded the high privilege by the nation to run the affairs of the country. We therefore all have a responsibility to address any crisis that may undermine the process of forming the next government, as is clearly the case given the latest developments. We are required by the gravity of the problem we face presently to place the interests of the country above our partisan interests.

1.6 With the greatest respect your Excellency, the BCP takes the view that as the President of the Republic, you carry the primary responsibility for a smooth running of a national election. Where there is a threat to the smooth conduct of elections, you are expected to bring together the political leadership of the country to discuss the unfolding crisis with the view to finding a lasting solution that enjoys the support of all political players.

1.7 As the President of the Republic, you are required by the high office you hold to act in the most inclusive fashion in the interest of the Republic. You are not expected to assume the role of a spectator when there are clear signs that the country is about to be plunged into a crisis. You have taken an oath to always protect and defend the interests of the country.

1.8 It is in view of the above that I am writing to you to request that you urgently convene a meeting of the leadership of all the political parties to deliberate on the looming crisis concerning the voter registration process. As you may recall, sometime in July 2018, you convened such a meeting at which you promised to regularly consult political party leaders on issues related to democracy and elections.

1.9 I must make one matter clear to avoid any confusion and misunderstanding. I am not calling for a meeting of the political leadership to discuss the court case as that would be improper. The political leadership needs to reflect over the challenges we face and take steps to ensure that a free, fair and credible election is delivered in 2024.

1.10 I would be most grateful, Your Excellency, if you could accede to my sincere request and convene the meeting as a matter of extreme urgency.

Yours Sincerely,

Dumelang Saleshando BCP President