Maseru, Jan. 29 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and European Union (EU) hosted the Stakeholder Consultation Session on Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) voter registration strategy development process in Maseru on Thursday.
Giving a synopsis of voter registration strategy development process, Dr. John Maphephe, UNDP- EU Consultant suggests on behalf of the clients (IEC) a model that captures information, verifies and audits otherwise hybrid model.
He explained the importance of use of technology coupled with paperwork, registration forms to ensure coordinated efforts and accountability. This he said would allow for continuous, periodic, mobile and institutional registration.
Dr. Maphephe said the target is to ensure inclusion of all Basotho despite their status, give privilege to the marginalised and diaspora, with more emphasis on youth as future leaders, hence systems must also allow them to access information easily using technology that is user friendly.
Over and above that, he stated the process must be centred to the needs of Basotho, respond to different districts’ needs and community realities.
Therefore, strengthened the importance of voters’ education, one that reaches all so that when elections approach all are informed and educated.
One of the participants and a youth aged 24, Senekane Matekane mentioned that he is a member of Bothoba-Pelo Foundation, a member of YES political party and a student at Bokamoso College of Technology with keen interest in agriculture as well as leadership.
“Being part of this session prepares me for the future as a leader as well as to go and recruit other youth so that together we become part of transformation, take responsibility and ensure that all eligible youth are registered,” he said.
The session supported by UNDP including the EU is attended by Non Governmental Organizations, the media, organisations of persons with disabilities, youth, women and other marginalised groups.
This is part of engaging the society so as to collect strategic inputs from stakeholders, identify gaps in the voter registration as well as promote ownership to enhance transparency and accountability in the entire processes of elections.
ENDS/AM/tl
