The high number of expired Omang cards that have not been renewed continues to affect the electoral process.

Addressing the Chobe full council meeting recently, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) executive secretary, Mr Gabriel Seeletso said in Chobe alone, a total of 1 903 Omang cards had expired.

 He emphasised the need for electorates to ensure that their Omang cards were up to date as they would not allow any other document to be used in place of an identity card.

“Another 724 Omang cards are expiring next year so we need to emphasise the need to renew them on time,” he advised.

He added that a lot of Omang cards that had been renewed were also stacked in Omang offices without being collected by owners. Chobe councillors complained that the registration period of 21days was too short and asked IEC to consider continuous registration.

 Councilor Kebareeditse Ntsogotho of Khwai/Mababe complained of voter trafficking which they said affected service delivery negatively as there were no monitoring mechanisms. Also, councillors felt that prisoners should be allowed to exercise their democratic right to vote.

Regarding polling stations, some councilors felt that permanent structures must be built instead of relying on tents to which Mr Seeletso said would not be sustainable as the structures might remain under utilised while awaiting the next elections.

 He explained that with regards to registration period earmarked for October 4, this year, supplementary registration would follow suit in March and June 2014. He advised them to update the electorates on the electoral process and on any changes that need to be communicated as frequently as possible. ENDS