IEC: All systems go for polls
It’s all systems go for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as it officially opened the national operating results centre on Tuesday, ahead of the 6th democratic elections.
A total of 48 political parties will be contesting this year’s election, hoping to get a vote from over 26 million eligible South African voters.
IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo says the commission is fully prepared for the elections.
“In total, we have granted approval to approximately 770 000 voters to cast special votes. Special voting days are a welcome opportunity to pre-test our infrastructure, logistics and human capacity before the remainder of the over 26 million voters descend on our 22 924 voting station in nine days’ time.”
The IEC has also distributed over 60 million national and provincial ballot boxes, while recruiting close to 200 000 volunteers to help run the polls.
While the commission is confident the elections will be transparent, it has urged political parties to refrain from prematurely announcing election results.
“Only the IEC can proclaim and announce the results of the elections and we appeal to all stakeholders that they cannot and should not report and comment on the unfolding results as they are captured.
“We urge circumspection in making definitive announcements of final outcomes until the Commission has announced the final results,” said IEC chair Glen Mashinini.