A CALL TO THE NATION TO REGISTER: 2014 GENERAL ELECTIONS REGISTER! VOTE! AND BE HEARD! The Vision Council, in collaboration with its key stakeholders in driving the Vision pillar of an Open, Democratic and Accountable nation, namely the Independent Electoral Commission and University of Botswana Democracy Research Project, would like to appeal to all Batswana aged 18 and above to take advantage of the current supplementary registration period (1st -18th May 2014) by registering in large numbers for the general elections which will be held towards the end of the year. Participation in elections is about empowering citizens to determine their future through entrusting politicians with a leadership task to transform the well being of their own people and their country. Participation in national elections is therefore about placing national interests over personal interests and acknowledging that Botswanas interests should always be placed at the apex. The Vision Council and its stakeholders are concerned about the low number of Batswana who are registered to date, hence the 2nd Supplementary registration which is a costly process. Furthermore, failure to register poses a threat to the achievement of the pillar of building an Open, Democratic and Accountable Nation. This pillar states that: • The Botswana of 2016 will emphasize the accountability of all citizens, from the State President down to community leaders for their actions and decisions. • Botswana will have increased political tolerance, and legal sanction against those who violate the principles of accountability at all levels of leadership, including the state presidency. • A morally and ethically upright, educated society will be matched by a leadership of the same qualities, which will provide role models for its younger generation and an instrument to implement democracy. • The co-operative relationship between traditional leaders and elected political leaders will promote social tranquility and orderly governance. The Vision 2016 Council encourages you to participate in the coming general elections. Do the right thing; REGISTER! VOTE! AND BE HEARD and legitimize our democracy which is enshrined in our constitution. Every vote counts and if you are wondering whether your one vote really makes a difference, then consider this: some candidates win the race by just one vote. So, your vote matters! To vote: 1. You must be registered by Sunday, 18th May 2014 to vote in the 2014 General Elections. 2. You have the right to a secret vote. You do not have to tell anyone how you voted. 3. You have the right to vote for the candidate and party of your choice. 4. You have the right to know if you are registered to vote. 5. All citizens have the right to vote. It is against the law to: 6. Sign another person’s ballot return envelope for them 7. Vote more than once in an election or cast a fraudulent ballot 8. Cast a ballot if you are not legally qualified. 9. Coerce, pressure or otherwise unduly influence another voter 10. Cast a ballot if you are not legally registered. REGISTER! VOTE! AND BE HEARD!
Posted on: Thu, 15 May 2014 11:23:29 +0000