Voter Transfers Under Scrutiny Before Municipal Elections

The countdown to municipal elections is already underway, and one of the biggest battles may be happening long before voters head to the polls. This transfer period gives eligible voters a chance to move their registration to a new electoral division or municipality, but it also raises concerns about abuse, especially as March approaches. Last night, we looked at why these transfers could play a major role in the upcoming municipal elections. Tonight, Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai explains why the process exists, how it works, and what responsibility voters have in helping to prevent fraud. News Five’s Shane Williams reports.

 

Shane Williams, Reporting

The months of July and August hold particular significance since it is the only time voters can transfer their votes from one constituency to another. It is also a period that can open the door to electoral fraud, especially when political operatives push voters to register or transfer into constituencies where they do not actually live. And with municipal elections eight months away, expect a spike in transfers from rural communities to polling areas within cities and towns. Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai says transfer period is to clean up the list.

 

Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer

“This happens every year from the 1st of July to the 31st of August. And so this is the only time throughout the year that persons who are registered electors can transfer from one electoral division to another. This exercise is extremely important because many times we hear people complain about persons actually voting where they no longer reside, and I want to encourage the public, and specifically registered electors, if you have moved, then go into the Election and Boundaries Registration Office in the division where you now reside.”

 

Unfortunately, political parties pervert the exercise. Using this period instead to offer inducements to get voters from other constituencies into their own, padding their voter lists. Since this transfer period comes just before the municipal election, the Chief Elections Officer is encouraging residents to be vigilant.

 

Josephine Tamai

“They can make objections when the list is published. You have to provide proof, and many times that is where there’s always an issue because sometimes persons sit back and it’s unfortunate that’s what we normally do as citizens until when it’s an election period you hear all the complaints. And we all know that we have municipal elections coming up. It’s scheduled for the third of March, 2027, which is just a couple months away. And so this is the time that persons will pay attention to the list.”

 

If you have knowledge of an address in your neighborhood being used as a stash house for illegal voters, you can report it to the Elections and Boundaries Department.

 

Josephine Tamai

“The Election and Boundaries registration – registering officers go out and physically visit those addresses to verify. So an investigation is conducted. Based on the investigation, the registering officer has to satisfy him or herself and make a determination if the person will be included on the list or not.”

 

Lying about your address to register illegally is a criminal offense and anyone caught can face a fine of up to one thousand dollars, up to two years in prison, or both. And to prevent mischief makers from frustrating the registration process. It is also against the law to knowingly object falsely to a registration application with a fine up to five hundred dollars or imprisonment up to one year. Shane Williams for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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