PRESS RELEASE
29th January, 2012
YOUTH EXERCISE THEIR VOTE
The much anticipated Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC), District Youth Committees' (DYCs) elections took place as planned on the 28th January 2012.
The elections were held in 27 districts out of the initial designated 33 districts that were supposed to have been held after some areas were declared unopposed hence will automatically form committees.
Out of the 27 districts, there were several districts which were highly contested as evidenced by the high number of candidates and delegates in those areas. Such areas are Lobatse, Mogoditshane/Thamaga, Gumare, Hukuntsi, Kanye, and Mochudi.
As the empowerment partner of choice for youth in Botswana and always advocating for creativity and innovation, BNYC for the first time in history of elections in the country, introduced the use of technology for registration.
As a first for Botswana, the use of technology was a learning process for both BNYC and the voters resulting in some potential voters unable to vote because they did not properly register.
BNYC has noted that most delegates feel disenfranchised because they did not follow the correct steps to register and in other instances the system rejected bulk registration done by candidates.
However, the voting created a lot of enthusiasm as it was the first of its kind to allow every young person an opportunity to lead and participate in youth development. The process strives to reach all the youth across the economic divide. BNYC registered close to 7000 eligible delegates.
Once elected, the District Youth Committee shall have the mandate to oversee and implement the policies, programmes, projects and activities of the Council at the district level, subject to the direction and supervision of the Executive Committee of the Council.
BNYC will continue to work hand in hand with development partners to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the sms registration.
The full elections results and the full committees will be on Wednesday, February 1st, 2012. Please note that the attached preliminary elections' results state positions that were contested only.
For Inquiries contact:
Wanetsha Mosinyi
PR and Strategy Manager
Cell: +267 71253098
Tel: +267 3939735
wanetsha@bnyc.org.bw
