Mahikeng – North West MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Manketsi Tlhape, said her department in partnership with Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) is ready to deliver a free and fair traditional council elections to be held in all traditional communities across the province, early next year. MEC Tlhape said this after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department and EISA.
EISA will assist the department with the running of the elections of 52 traditional councils in three districts namely Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Bojanala Platinum District. This is line with the Traditional Leadership and Governance Act of 2005. The Act provides for the establishment of traditional councils in traditional communities for a term of five (5) years.
“On the 23rd and 24th of November 2013 the registration of voters will take place at their neighbouring voting stations. Residents will be given an opportunity to nominate the person who will be elected into traditional council. The process will be followed by the actual elections of candidates on a date to be announced soon” she said.
MEC Tlhape emphasized the need for the traditional council elections. “The election process is not just a constitutional mandate but it’s also a cornerstone of our democracy and we are confident that the EISA has the necessary capacity. We are also hoping that this election will bring back stability in our traditional communities especially where there has been a constant conflict”, she said.
These elections were scheduled to take place in July this year but were postponed mainly due to low voter registration will take place before end of March 2014.
