IEC renounces voter education mandate
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In a shocking turn of events, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has this week disowned its role of civic and voter education to the public. IEC is an independent body which is mandated with conducting the elections in Botswana although it operates under the auspices of Office of the President.
Speaking to Weekend Post this week IEC Principal Public Relations Officer (PRO) Osupile Maroba revealed that educating the public on casting their vote does not form part of their mandate. “If you can look at the Electoral law, it is not the mandate of the IEC to carry out civic and voter education. It is not the legal mandate of the IEC,” he said. He emphasised that there is nowhere in the law where one can come across the civic and public education role for the IEC and there is absolutely no such role.
He told Weekend Post that “like we always say to you, talk to the law, and challenge the legal framework and whether it is adequate.” Maroba explained that IEC is an organisation that only conducts elections as per the law while stressing that “what we do we just implement the law and nothing else. We can only make recommendations to those who are making the law who being the Members of Parliament (MP’s).
The IEC mouthpiece further pointed out to this publication that the Electoral Act cap 02:09 section 3 clearly explains the duties and parameters of the IEC and that certainly civic and public education does not make part of their duties. The relevant section states “the Secretary shall… (a) exercise general direction and supervision over the registration of voters;
(b) exercise general direction and supervision over the administrative conduct of elections and enforce on the part of all election officers fairness, impartiality and compliance with the provisions of this Act; (c) issue to election officers and registration officers such instructions as he may deem necessary to ensure effective execution of the provisions of this Act; and (d) exercise and perform all other powers and duties conferred and imposed upon him by this Act.”
Maroba also drew this publication to the constitution of Botswana section 65A (12) which specifically states that the “Commission shall be responsible for – (a) the conduct and supervision of elections of the Elected Members of the National Assembly and members of a local authority, and conduct of a referendum; (b) giving instructions and directions to the Secretary of the Commission appointed under section 66 in regard to the exercise of his or her functions under the electoral law prescribed by an Act of Parliament; (c) ensuring that elections are conducted efficiently, properly, freely and fairly; and (d) performing such other functions as may be prescribed by an Act of Parliament.”
The IEC spokesperson further took a swipe at IEC critics stating firmly that the IEC, although under the OP, remains independent adding that legislatures have to take a fair share of blame on the current ‘inadequate’ IEC frame work. He averred: “you also like saying that IEC is not independent and that the commission is a child of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). But you will realise that clearly you are barking the wrong tree. If IEC is not independent who has the right to amend that? It is surely the lawmakers who can amend the constitution and the Electoral law.”
According to the IEC spokesperson “people should be talking to the legislatures as they are the ones whom come with such laws and try to advocate for improvement of the law.” As to the IEC the PRO emphasised that their powers are limited and that “we apply the law to the letter.”
Why IEC registered low turnout in 2018
By the time of going to print, Maroba has confirmed to this publication that approximately 750 000 electorates have registered. “It’s a very small number. In case of the absence of a supplementary, it will easily come as the lowest number of registered voters recorded bearing into mind that today the population has grown and people are more sophisticated,” he pointed out.
He further stressed therefore that it is an average lower participation of registration as a good number of people are knowledgeable about democracy. He said however some did not turn out because they are not interested. “Some people are just not interested while others say they are not sure of the candidates in their polling areas. Others say they are fed up about how the political parties are conducting themselves in Botswana (the infightings).
They say the parties don’t take them seriously as voters but they are more into their personal interests.”According to the IEC spokesperson, others point out that the electoral system is tiresome as it forces them to register only where they are going to vote and as such those in far distant areas have to incur travel costs to go register and to vote as well later. “So it’s costly. Distance and cost of travel have a bearing in other people s decisions to register and ultimately vote (or to participate or not).
Electoral system is very clear that you register where you are going to vote and we cannot change it until there is an amendment of the legislature.” We believe if there are some inconveniences stifling the electorates to register, lawmakers should motivate its amendments, Maroba highlighted. He continued “they believe technology is also one of the ways that simplify the election process so we have to introduce technology in the electoral process like computerisation of the electoral process. Where there are no cues. Most of our system is still manual and that needs to change as well.”
The other reasons that electorates give for shunning registration and voting is that they believe that it has been the same since independence as only one party has been winning elections since then turning Botswana into a defacto one party state. “Some say we have turned into a defacto one party state. So their vote cannot make a difference. But they forget that if one person says that possibly thousands are also saying the same.”
Some were saying there was not enough publicity by the IEC, Maroba said adding that but he doesn’t agree with them, “it’s more of a personal decision by an electorate as Motswana with your experience of what is happening in the country or based on your individual analysis.” He also learnt that people are saying that IEC should introduce online registration.
IEC to carry out extensive and informative voter apathy study
In light of the low turnout, the commission have pointed out that they will carry out extensive researches on voter apathy very soon particularly as they now have a research unit in place. “We have to do a study to establish the cause of this. We are currently using the 2001 voter apathy study that was carried by Democracy research project. It’s the one that informed most of the education programmes that were developed between then and now.”
Maroba confirms supplementary registration “highly likely”
Meanwhile the IEC PRO also highlighted that “it is highly likely that we will have supplementary elections.”
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BTC launches the 3rd Francistown Marathon 2024 and handover proceeds to the 2nd Francistown Marathon beneficiaries
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) has announced that its 3rd Francistown Marathon will be held on Saturday 20th April 2024 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The BTC Francistown Marathon is officially recognised by World Athletics and a Comrades Marathon Qualifier will offer race categories ranging from 42.2km, 21.1 km, 10km, 5km fun run, 5km peace run for children and has introduced a 5km and 10km categories for wheelchairs athletics.
BTC also used this opportunity to announce beneficiaries who received donations from proceeds made from the 2nd BTC Francistown Marathon that was held on April 23rd 203. BTC donated a play area, plastic chairs and wooden tables for pupils worth a total of thirty eight thousand, one hundred and three pula, fifty thebe each (P38, 103.50) to Monarch Primary School, Tatitown Primary School, Mahube Primary School and Gulubane Primary School. Ditladi and Boikhutso clinics each received a donation of benches, television sets and 10, 000 litre water tanks worth thirty seven thousan, eight hundred and ninety eight pula (P 37, 898.00). Additionally, BTC also donated seventy thousand pula (P70,000.00) to their marathon technical partner, Francistown Athletics Club (FAC) which will be used for daily operations as well as to purchase equipment for the club.
The BTC Francistown Marathon aligns seamlessly with BTC’s corporate social investment programme, administered through the BTC Foundation. This programme is a testament to BTC’s dedication to community development, focusing on key areas such as health promotion. The marathon, now in its third year, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also channels all proceeds to carefully chosen charities as part of BTC’s commitment to impactful and sustainable projects.
Speaking at the launch, the BTC Managing Director Mr Anthony Masunga stated that the marathon underscores BTC’s commitment to community upliftment and corporate social investment. He stated that “the annual event which has been in existence since 2016, having taken a break due to the covid and other logistical issues, is instrumental to the economic upliftment of the city of Francistown”. He congratulated all the beneficiaries for having been nominated to receive the donations, adding that “the donation of proceeds from the 2023 marathon aims to highlight BTC’s commitment and heart for Batswana and our continued impact in the different industries”.
He further stated that through this marathon, “we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to having a good influence on our communities, this event is a manifestation of our dedication to promoting education and a healthier, more active society”. He concluded by stating that “BTC looks forward to another successful marathon that will leave a lasting positive influence on the greater Francistown community and the country at large” he said.
Giving welcome remarks, the Councillor for Donga, Honourable Morulaganyi Mothowabarwa stated that “he is ecstatic that BTC is collaborating with the City of Francistown on yet another installment of the Marathon”. He continued to offer his support to BTC to enable this marathon to continue over the coming years, stating that the “CSI element is a welcome development that helps empower our communities”, he said.
The 3rd BTC Francistown Marathon is officially open for registrations and athletes may use the following platforms to register and pay; through Smega by dialling *173# and choosing opton 5, then choose Option 3 for the Francistown marathon, at any BTC store or by visiting the BTC website and clicking on the BTC Francistown Marathon and choosing the relevant options.
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Letsholo lauds President Masisi’s digitization in fight against corruption
Thapelo Letsholo, Member of Parliament for Kanye North, delivered a moving speech at the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, praising President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption. Letsholo highlighted the importance of embracing digitalization in governance as a crucial step in curbing corrupt practices.
According to Letsholo, the implementation of digital systems in government services can significantly reduce direct interactions between citizens and officials, which often serve as fertile grounds for corruption. By minimizing these opportunities for illicit activities, the efficiency and transparency of public services can be enhanced. Letsholo pointed to Estonia’s success in digital governance as an example, where public services have become more transparent, accessible, and efficient.
The MP commended President Masisi’s commitment to digitalization and E-Governance, emphasizing that it aligns with global anti-corruption standards. He called for full support and active participation from all sectors to ensure the success of this initiative.
Letsholo also stressed the importance of improving detection methods and refining whistleblower laws to effectively combat corruption. He highlighted the unseen and unspoken facets of corruption as its lifelines, emphasizing the need for robust detection mechanisms and a system that encourages and protects whistleblowers.
Addressing the societal role in fighting corruption, Letsholo focused on the crucial role of everyday citizens and civil servants who often witness corrupt practices firsthand. He acknowledged the existing reluctance to report corruption due to the perceived risks of repercussions. To change this narrative, Letsholo advocated for creating an environment where staying silent is deemed more detrimental than speaking out. He called for a cultural shift where the potential benefits of exposing corruption outweigh the risks, ensuring that whistleblowers are protected and feel secure in coming forward.
Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a system that not only detects and reports corruption but also supports those who stand against it. He expressed hope that under President Masisi’s digitalization initiatives, the future of governance in Botswana will be characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Letsholo’s speech resonated with the sentiments of hope and determination that permeated the commemoration, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against corruption.
In summary, Letsholo lauded President Masisi’s digitalization initiative in the fight against corruption, highlighting its potential to curb corrupt practices, enhance efficiency and transparency in public services, and align with global anti-corruption standards. He emphasized the importance of improving detection methods, refining whistleblower laws, and creating an environment where speaking out against corruption is encouraged and protected. Letsholo called for collective responsibility and action in creating a future characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
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FaR property assets value clock P1.47 billion
FaR Property Company (FPC) Limited, a property investment company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, has recently announced its exceptional financial results for the year 2023. The company’s property asset value has risen to P1.47 billion, up from P1.42 billion in the previous year.
FPC has a diverse portfolio of properties, including retail, commercial, industrial, and residential properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. The company owns a total of 186 properties, generating rental revenues from various sectors. In 2023, the company recorded rental revenues of P11 million from residential properties, P62 million from industrial properties, and P89 million from commercial properties. Overall, the company’s total revenues increased by 9% to P153 million, while profit before tax increased by 22% to P136 million, and operating profit increased by 11% to P139 million.
One notable achievement for FPC is the low vacancy rate across its properties, which stands at only 6%. This is particularly impressive considering the challenging trading environment. The company attributes this success to effective lease management and the leasing of previously vacant properties in South Africa. FPC’s management expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the resilience of the company in the face of ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
The increase in profit before tax can be attributed to both an increase in income and effective control of operating expenses. FPC managed to achieve these results with fewer employees, demonstrating the company’s efficiency. The headline earnings per linked unit also saw an improvement, reaching 26.92 thebe, higher than the previous year.
Looking ahead, FPC remains confident in its competitiveness and growth prospects. The company possesses a substantial land bank, which it plans to develop strategically as opportunities arise. FPC aims for managed growth, focusing on consumer-driven developments and ensuring the presence of supportive tenants. By maintaining this approach, the company believes it can sustainably grow its property portfolio and remain competitive in the market.
In terms of the macroeconomic environment, FPC noted that inflation rates are decreasing towards the 3% to 6% range approved by the Bank of Botswana. This is positive news for the company, as it hopes for further decreases in interest rates. However, the fluctuating fuel prices, influenced by global events such as the war in Ukraine and oil output reductions by Russia and other Middle Eastern countries, continue to impact businesses, including some of FPC’s tenants.
FPC’s property portfolio includes notable assets such as a shopping mall in Francistown with Choppies Hyper as the anchor tenant, Borogo Mall located on the A33 main road near the Kazungula ferry crossing, and various industrial and commercial properties in Gaborone leased to Choppies, Senn Foods, and Clover Botswana. The company also owns a shopping mall in Mafikeng and Rustenburg in South Africa.
The majority of FPC’s properties, 85%, are located in Botswana, followed by 12% in South Africa and 3% in Zambia. With its strong financial performance, competitive position, and strategic land bank, FPC is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the property market.