‘Mants’ali Phakoana
Some voters at three polling stations in Maputsoe Urban Council failed to cast their votes today as their names did not appear on the voters’ roll in their respective Electoral Divisions (EDs).
One of the voters, Motlalepula Lehakoe (68) said he failed to vote because his name was not on the voters’ roll at Boiteko Polling Station in Maqele Electoral Division.
“I have been told (by Independent Electoral Commission officers) to go and check my name at Maboee or Mats’oaneng Polling Station. They couldn’t even give me any details.
“I am not going to waste my time running around looking for my name in order for me to vote. I don’t know why this is happening because I have been voting here for a long time. Even last year (during the national assembly elections), I voted at this very station.
“Besides, even if I could go and vote at another polling station, I don’t know who to vote for because the candidate I want to vote for is not here,” he complained.
Lesaoana Mafatle (79) said he had just left Maboee Polling station after he was told his name appears at Boiteko Polling division.
“I had to come here because I was told my name will be appearing here. I have never voted here before. This is new. Honestly, I don’t even know who to vote for because I don’t know the candidates this side,” he said.
Assistant Returning Officer for the three polling stations, ‘Maseromo Mapanya said they were aware of the matter.
She said she had informed her supervisor but was yet to get feedback.
She further noted that youth participation in the three polling stations was worrisome.
“Since this morning, oonlya few youths have showed up to vote. We see them passing by, going up and down holding beer bottles but they don’t come to vote. I hope they show up later, we are hopeful,” she said.
Mapanya also indicated that another challenge they encountered was that of one independent candidates who was complaining that his symbol was not clear and visible.
Police officers and election observers from the Lesotho Council of Non-governmental Organisations were also available at the aforementioned polling stations.
