All systems go for municipal elections, declares IEC
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured the country that is ready and prepared for the 2021 municipal elections.
The polls are set to be held on October 27.
Speaking at the launch of the election on Wednesday, IEC chairperson Glen Mashinini said the commission had to review and assess whether the elections can be free, fair, and safe during a global pandemic.
"Based on the constitution, the law, the operation readiness for the elections and throughout assessment of the current pandemic conditions, the commission is of the view that we are technically ready to deliver the elections.
"We believe the 2021 municipal elections should proceed as things currently stand. This assessment was conducted in consultation with health and disaster management authorities as well as various subject matter experts," said Mashinini.
The commission has 23 151 voting stations across the country, which is an increase of 539 increased from the 2016 municipal elections.
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About 200 political parties and over 65 000 candidates will contest the elections.
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said they have made progress in updating the voters’ roll.
"We have spent the last five years engaged in a comprehensive program to update the voters roll with address details following the ruling of the Constitutional Court on the matter.
“In March 2016 we had complete addresses for just over 8.5 million or 33% of the voters roll today this figure stands at 24.2 million or 92%. We do want to improve that 92% but it is impractical in a country were many live in informal settlements.
"The commission continues in its quest for the most accurate and up to date voters roll. Despite our best efforts there are still there still over 1.2 million voters for whom we do not have an address detail. It is our hope that through the voter registration mobalisation campaign being launched today and continued support of political parties, media and other stakeholders that we make improved advancements on this process," said Mamabolo.
All voting stations will open on Saturday July 17th and Sunday 18 July to allow for voters to update their details and for eligible voters to register.
