Lehlohonolo Motšoari
In a crucial move to address existing challenges with the voters’ roll, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that expired National ID cards will be accepted for voter re-registration.
The decision follows the IEC’s call for the public to urgently re-register to update the electors’ register database.
The IEC requires all citizens of Lesotho aged 18 and above to re-register at their respective constituency offices using their National ID cards.
The directive applies to first-time voters as well as those who initially registered with other forms of identification before the national ID was introduced.
“The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), informs the electorate, stakeholders, and the general public that it is in the process of updating the Elector’s Register Database.
The commission, therefore, requires the public (including those who previously registered using the National ID) to visit IEC offices in their respective constituencies to re-register themselves.
This re-registration of all eligible voters will only be done using the National Identification (ID) card, in accordance with Section 16 of the National Identity Card Act 9, of 2011,” IEC said this week.
The IEC has also encouraged the members of the public to use technology to submit their registration applications on the IEC registration portal found on the IEC website: http://www.iec.org.ls.
“The Commission is also aware of the urgency surrounding the production of new ID cards, therefore the public is also informed that expired cards are acceptable for the registration process, as the ID number and identity of a voter do not expire,” It added.
The acceptance of expired ID cards is particularly significant given the challenges the Ministry of Home Affairs has faced in producing new IDs.
The Ministry recently highlighted these challenges during a presentation before the National Assembly Portfolio Committee, revealing that many IDs issued in 2014 are set to expire, compounding the production challenges and posing a significant obstacle for citizens needing valid identification to access services.
Thabiso Lekitla, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Mekaling constituency, even proposed a motion to allow the use of expired ID cards due to these production issues, though the motion was not ultimately adopted.
The IEC’s announcement may now compel the government to revisit this issue to ensure all citizens can participate in the electoral process and access essential services without hindrance.
Additionally, the IEC encourages the use of their online registration portal at IEC Online Portal to facilitate the re-registration process.
Summary
- The IEC has also encouraged the members of the public to use technology to submit their registration applications on the IEC registration portal found on the IEC website.
- “The Commission is also aware of the urgency surrounding the production of new ID cards, therefore the public is also informed that expired cards are acceptable for the registration process, as the ID number and identity of a voter do not expire,” It added.
- The Ministry recently highlighted these challenges during a presentation before the National Assembly Portfolio Committee, revealing that many IDs issued in 2014 are set to expire, compounding the production challenges and posing a significant obstacle for citizens needing valid identification to access services.
Welcome to Newsday Media – Your Trusted Source for News and Insights in Lesotho!
At Newsday Media, we are passionate about delivering accurate, timely, and engaging news and multimedia content to our diverse audience. Founded with the vision of revolutionizing the media landscape in Lesotho, we have grown into a leading hybrid media company that blends traditional journalism with innovative digital platforms.
Our mission is simple: to inform, inspire, and empower our readers by providing comprehensive coverage of local and global events, current affairs, and cultural happenings. Whether you’re looking for breaking news, in-depth analysis, or captivating storytelling, Newsday Media is your go-to destination for all things news-related.
With a dedicated team of journalists, editors, and multimedia experts, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity and professionalism. We pride ourselves on delivering content that not only informs but also sparks conversation, fosters understanding, and drives positive change in our society.
From our flagship newspaper to our dynamic digital platforms, we offer a wide range of multimedia content to cater to the diverse interests and preferences of our audience. Whether you prefer to stay informed through print, online articles, videos, or podcasts, Newsday Media has something for everyone.
We believe in the power of storytelling to connect people, bridge divides, and inspire action. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing a platform for voices from all walks of life, championing diversity, inclusion, and authenticity in everything we do.
Thank you for visiting Newsday Media. We invite you to explore our website, engage with our content, and join us on our journey to inform, inspire, and empower our community. Together, let’s shape the future of media in Lesotho.
