Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai says 2022 National General Election campaigns will end this week and public rallies and campaigning will officially stop on Friday 1st July 2022 and voting commences next Monday.
He said candidates have this week to polish up and do their final campaigning and get their message to their voters.
Mr. Sinai said all campaign activities including movement of people and staging rallies will end on Friday and urge candidates to observe and respect our electoral laws by removing loud hailers and speakers mounted on their vehicles after Friday in readiness for polling which starts on July 4th 2022.
The commissioner said polling will not be conducted on Saturday and Sunday (July 2-3), as these are considered days of worship and is protected by law.
“Unlike the past elections, we have seen a generally peaceful election campaign this year, though there were some minor disturbances disruption in some parts of the country. This simple demonstrated that our people are becoming more aware and understand what election is more about. They know who they want to vote for and already decided on their preferences. And that’s the beauty about Limited Preferential Voting system we have, where are voter has three different choices of equal value.” he said.
The Commissioner said fighting for support and territory became a major issue in the past under the old First Past Post System , However, the current LPV System has done away with the problems of the past and laid a strong foundation for both the candidate and supporters to work together and share their preferences , so a popular candidate wins through the elimination process and or on first preference count.
Mr. Sinai said polling stations through the country will open on Monday 4th of July and voting will commence at 8am with the formation of two separate lines for male and female voters.
“Gender split in both the voter roll and the polling booths are the first since Independence and it is done purely to protect the rights of our female voters to ensure they have a fair say when it comes to voting without intimidation and undue influences ,” the Commissioner said.
Mr. Sinai appeal to the voters to take ownership and respect the process and allow voting run smoothly wihtout any problems.