In fact, early election results in some areas across the country, speak to large voter turnout which suggests that voters crowded at polling stations to decide appropriately. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) revealed that 80% of the 1,037,684 people who had registered to vote turned up to exercise their right.
It’s unfortunate that at the time of cobbling this editorial comment, results had just started trickling in. We recognise that the voice of the people indeed is the voice of God.
Even the IEC spokesperson, Osupile Maroba was elated in one of his public briefs.
Maroba was happy that eligible voters took time to exercise their democratic right to elect government of their choice.
Although 20% of the 1,037,684 people who had registered for the 2024 General Election did not turn up, those who came need to be commended.
It was pleasing that Batswana across the age groups braved the scotching heat on Wednesday to make decisions that they will never have to regret. They patiently waited for long hours to choose who they deemed suitable to represent them in Parliament and Councils.
No matter how long the Wednesday queues were, Batswana seemed intent in playing a role in the electoral process.
In fact, democracy has no short cuts and the nation has also shown its availability in playing a critical role in choosing political leaders they preferred. It’s interesting that young people, women, the elderly, disabled and able bodied also took part in convincing numbers as per reports from across the country.
It’s also interesting that from reports that we have seen across the country, people voted under a conducive atmosphere. There were few exceptions in isolated cases where the polls started a bit late, but people were still able to vote, anyway.
We also learnt that in one desperate case, a polling station used motor vehicle lights to assist people to cast their vote, but in the end, the job was done.
Following this incident, we implore the IEC to make a future provision for power outages like it was the case in Gaborone North and Tlokweng constituencies and other areas as reports show.
Another case of an electoral officer who was robbed whilst preparing a polling station reflects on lapses in security. As a result, it will be in order for the IEC to prioritise security at all given times especially in crime-ridden areas of the country.
We also take this opportunity to thank President Mokgweetsi Masisi-led government for having had set October 30-31, 2024 as paid public holidays. The dedicated days offered Batswana a good opportunity to partake in this year’s General Election. Equally, this enabled people to travel to areas where they had registered to vote with ease.
““The voice of the people, the voice of God.”
– Walter Reynolds
