Thaba Putsoa By-election Scheduled  for January 24, 2004

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is currently employing temporary staff to help in the running of the January 24, 204 by-elections in the Thaba-Putsoa constituency, IEC deputy District Officer Maser, Mr. Ts'eliso Ramaema has announced.

In an interview with LENA, Mr.Ramaema said the hiring process would take two days starting December 15 and that altogether about 200 will be employed. Of the total, some 140 would be employed as polling officers while the rest will work as presiding officers, starting their duties from the first week of January, 2004.

This process precedes the nomination of political party and independent candidates contesting in the by-election. Nomination will take place on December 18 at Likalaneng, Mr. Ramaema said, adding that registration for the candidates will remain open until nomination day.

Some parties have already shown interest by registering their candidates, he said, though he could not disclose the number and names of such parties. 
15 December 2003