Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai said the nominations for the 2025 LLG and the Parliamentary By-elections will be extended for another seven (7) days, due to bad weather and constant rains experienced across the country which has affected the election program resulting in poor turn out for nominations.
He said he has written to the Minister for Provincial and Local Government Affairs Hon Soroi Eoe to extend the dates for nomination by a week so those who are intending to nominate can come forward and file their nominations.
“Given the rugged terrain and remoteness of many of our districts in the country, and the wet season setting in, it’s practically difficult in some areas for candidates to make it on time and even to get to the place of nomination. That’s why I have sought an extension of time for nomination for both LLG and Parliamentary By-elections.” he said.
Mr Sinai said the issue is further compounded by limited excess to banking services where candidates can arrange to pay their nomination fees, adding that an extension was necessary under the prevailing circumstances to give ample time to the intending candidate to nominate.
That means the nominations which is set to close tomorrow, Thursday 01 May 2025 at 4pm wll now be extended to next week Thursday 8 May 2025 at 4pm.
Mr Sinai said all nomination fees must be paid at any BSP Bank branches or an agent closer to you and present the deposit slip at the nomination collection center as prove to nominate.
“With that said, I am again appealing to all candidates and supporters to observe and respect the laws, respect one another and work together in ensuring a peaceful election. Let’s change the mindset and do something different this time. You must know and accept the fact that elections are conducted to Identify and elect a leader who will represent you at the ward and the LLG level. And whoever gets elected is the will of the majority and that has to be respected,” he said.
In this election, there will be no cheats: No double voting nor under age voting. Every candidate will be keeping an eye on each other because they know every voter in their ward by name. We will have the real people coming to vote. So the concept of having a ward based roll through family order listing is the way forward in addressing the roll issues we have in the country.