The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) briefed Members of Parliament on the new constituencies’ demarcation process to be undertaken soon.

Addressing Members on Wednesday, IEC Chairman, Mr. Leshele Thoahlane said they have already met stakeholders like leaders of the political parties and Principal Chiefs, and that they will also meet donors and Non Governmental organisations as well as the electorate.

He noted that the exercise will be undertaken based on the Constitution of the country which stipulates that after every national population census, constituencies ought to be reviewed and new demarcations be drawn where necessary.

Mr. Thoahlane added that since IEC staff has no expertise on demarcation of constituencies, they will invite consultants with relevant expertise to carryout the exercise and pledged that political leaders will be included in every step undertaken for transparency purposes.

One of the Commissioners, Ms. Limakatso Mokhothu said the work will be given to a company with skills such as geography, population and democratic principles.

Though the exercise will be conducted based on the country's constitution and electoral law, she committed that the process will be inclusive.

On the other hand, the Deputy Director of Elections, Mr. Mphasa Mokhochane, said constituencies will remain at 80 as stipulated in the constitution but only those with a population exceeding 16 000 and below 13 000 will be reviewed including other factors like community interests.

According to 2006 Population Census, the total voting population is currently 1,156,484 including people aged 17 and upwards while those registered with IEC is 916,269.

The last demarcation of constituencies was conducted before the 1998 national polls.

Source: LENA 21/11/2007