The IndependentElectoral Commission (IEC) is continuing with its educational exercise to inform, motivate and acquaint the public servants on elections and democracy issues in preparation to the anticipated 2014 General Elections. Theexercise comes as a result of the realization that memebers of the Public Service and some stakeholders mya have been left out in the past in issues of civic eduaction, hence the need to extend dissemination of electoral information to increase the level of awareness, knowledge and support among various stakeholders. The Commission has received unprecedented and overwhelming response from stakeholders and would like to express its deepest gratitude. The Commission continues to request your good offices to invite its staff as resource persons to your respective general, Heads of department, District or Regional staff meetings and other gatherings to address them. TOWARDS 2014: Promoting stakeholder participation in the electoral process

We as members of election management bodies, regional and international organisations and institutions, donors, practitioners, specialists and representatives from the academic and diplomatic community - all working in the field of elections, meeting in Gaborone, Botswana from 7 - 9 March 2011 for the 5th Global Electoral Organisation Conference. Appreciating the opening address by His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President Botswana and his assertion that although there is still a democracy deficit in parts of the world, it remains a vital aspiration of millions and a much sought after universal value. Recognising recent events in parts of Africa and the Middle East, the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day, the launch of the Global Commission on Elections, Democracy and Security that seeks to place elections and democracy at the centre of the international agenda and promote and protect the intergrity of electoral processes in order to achieve a more secure, prosperous and stable world. Acknowledging the intention of fostering an exchange of ideas and experiences among the elections community to address issues related to elections and its role within the democratic framework, including electoral reform, elections and conflict and engaging electoral stakeholders. We therefore: Affirm that democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine through participation thier own political, economic, social and cultural systems; Emphasize that democracy, development and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing; Recognise that elections exist as a cornerstone of democracy that empowers people to participate in the selection of their political representatives; Note that an increasing number of countries around the globe conduct elections as a peaceful means of discerning the will of the people, but also observe increasing instances of election-related violence; Highlight the importance of establishing and strenghthening the professionalism of credible electoral institutions; Acknowledge the need to address the root causes of, and reduce the potential for election-related violence, which is a form of political violence; Call greater attention to the importance of promoting gender equality in all economic, political and social contexts and empowering women in the conduct and administration of elections; And in consideration hereof, we call upon participants of the conference, individuals and organisations, i cooperation with us, to bring the experiences and outcomes of this conference tot he attention of electoral authorities, political parties, civil society, the media and others accross the globe, to endeavor to ensure more credible and inclusive electoral processes and undertake to reconvene to regularly assess progress made and chart a course for future improvements.

The commission took a deliberate effort to engage international IDEA to audit its process on the basis of its mandate. The main purpose was for IDEA to take critical assessment of 2009 election processes according to the existing legal framework and administrative processes. IDEA has submitted the final report to IEC and it will be availed to the public through our website by end of June 2010.

On Saturday 5th December,2009 Moshawana voters went to the polls to cast the decider votes and Patrick Hersey (BDP) emerged the winner with 455 votes: Results: Candidates Party Number votes Patrick Hersey BDP 455 Isaac Kgetse BNF 178 Phillip Lebotse BCP 433

Voters in Moshawana polling district in Kgatleng west will be going to the polls pending the equality of votes between the Botswana Congress Party(BCP) and the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). On the 16th October 2009 General Election Patrick Hersey of BDP and Phillip Pona Lebotse of BCP obtained 431 votes each, forcing a tie that can only be settled throgh a re election in accordance with the electoral law. A nomination for the re election was held on the 13th November 2009, the two candidates and Isaac Kgetse of the Botswana National Front registered their names. Who is eligible to vote? The re-election requires only Moshawana registered electorate to cast their vote for the decider. Voters still require the 2009 general elections registration card and valid Omang Card. Every voter will vote at a polling station wherethey registered. Validity of voter registration card The life of voter registration card takes five years. In the interim is used in by-elections that may take place within the five years of its life span. If the card is lost or destroyed a voter is entitled to seek a duplicate card from any IEC office during working hours (0730 - 1630).