By Ntombi Mhlongo
The election management system that was developed by Slomoes Corporation for the 2018 national elections has been handed over to the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).
The handover ceremony took place at the EBC Offices situated at Nenkhanini. Speaking at the ceremony, EBC Chairman Prince Mhlabuhlangene revealed that the cost of the software and hardware was plus or minus E18 million but that this was not the overall cost associated with the whole elections exercise.
He said that instead, it was only the costs of the hardware and software which had about four components. The chairman explained that the two parties had a good professional working relationship but that there were differences, which is normal.
“An exercise like this helps us sum up the previous elections and open the cycle of the next elections. Today is about the elections management system, the system used to help us run the elections smoothly, fairly, and with credibility. It is good to report that our vendor is here to fulfil the promises and agreements we made to run the elections,” he said.
Speaking about the upcoming elections, the chairman said all people in all regions should have a right to vote and be represented. He said it was imperative to understand that a human right goes hand in hand with self-determination and that as people debate among themselves on whether to go or not to go to vote, all responsible citizens should bear in mind that it is a moral thing to do so.
“If you are a responsible liSwati who wants to have a voice in government, go and vote. It is all about being responsible. But if you do not want to exercise it, such must not encroach on the right of the other person to exercise that right. If you are eligible and want to protect your national identity, you will go and vote and will feel obligated naturally,” he said.
Meanwhile, the EBC premises were flooded with people from all corners of the country who had come to fill up forms to apply for jobs during the elections.
The Chairman, when asked about the exact number of EmaSwati who will be hired said for now he could not have the exact figure but that projections will be guided by the number of citizens who will register their interest to vote.
“The more people participate, the more personnel will be needed,” he said.
