Panafrican News Agency

Botswana electoral commission waits for Diaspora ballot boxes

Gaborone, Botswana (PANA) - The Botswana Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) waits to receive Diaspora ballots from all external polling stations this week, the Commission's spokesperson said on Monday.

According to Osupile Maroba, the receipt of the 36 Diaspora ballot boxes is due on 16 October 2019 at the IEC Headquarters in Gaborone.

Botswana’s IEC has confirmed that Batswana living in the Diaspora have voted as the first phase of 23 October general election without a glitch. The IEC had set 12 October as polling day for citizens living outside the country.

Batswana have cast their ballots across 20 countries and that their ballots will arrive in Botswana a few days after voting, to be verified in the presence of political parties and the commission. He said at least 1,044 Batswana were expected to cast their ballots.

Regarding preparations for the last phase of the general elections, which will be held in the country on 23 Oct, Maroba added:t “As we speak ballot papers are being printed in South Africa.”

Botswana will on 23 October hold general election in which, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is reportedly facing a real test and could be on the verge of losing power. It has been in power since the country's independence from Britain 53 years ago.

-0- PANA  MS/AR 14Oct2019