IEC, law enforcement on alert amid threats of disruptions at registration stations
Updated | By Nokukhanya N Mntambo
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says law enforcement will be on high alert during the voter registration weekend for the November 1 local government elections.
More than 23,000 stations across the country will open their doors on Saturday and Sunday to receive registrations.
At least 48,000 officials will man the stations.
IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo was certain on Thursday that the commission is ready for the only registration weekend.
“The new Voter Management Devices (VMDs) will also be used for the first time on a mass scale during this registration weekend. The VMDs represent a departure from the erstwhile ‘Zip-Zip’ machines which have been in use in the registration process since 1998.
“The VMD’s will enable an almost instantaneous citizenship verification as well as the correct capturing of a residential address assisted by a mapping functionality,” Mamabolo added during a media briefing at the Election House in Centurion.
Voters can also take to the online registration portal launched earlier this year.
“As at this morning, 156 651 voters had successfully used the system to register. The online registration system will remain open until the date of proclamation of the elections which we expect on Monday, 20 September 2021.
“Electoral participation which is impossible without registration provides an opportunity to shape the local affairs of communities,” Mamabolo said.
But there were some concerns about security amid threats of disruptions.
Mamabolo added the commission would not gamble with the safety of its staff and voters.
“We’ve been working with the NATJOINTS, we also had a priority committee meeting this morning where possible hotposts have been identified. They’ve been handed over to the South African Police Service who provide the necessary security for people.
“Everybody should be interrupted. If you are unhappy about any other process, be it from a political party or from the municipality or any matter, it does not grant you a right to disrupt the registration process.
“This is not a process to disrupt, it’s about people vindicating their right to vote,” said Mamabolo.
Watch Mamabolo below:
#LGE2021 | Mamabolo says following claims and threats of disruptions, possible hotspots were identified and handed over to SAPS.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) September 16, 2021
There was also a priority meeting with NATJOINTS earlier - "the necessary security will be provided". pic.twitter.com/AqDipBlcq9
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