IEC: Organising elections in 42 days ‘not recommended’
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has admitted that 42 days are not nearly enough to organise and prepare for elections.
The commission is expected to announce the final results of the local government elections on Thursday evening.
Free State is ahead with 100% of the results captured while other provinces have captured above 95% of the results. The Western Cape was lagging behind with only 89% of the results captured.
Addressing the media on Wednesday evening, IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said he wouldn’t advise anyone in the world to organise elections in only 42 days.
“There are many lessons that one can immediately identify. The most obvious one is, never attempt to do an election of this magnitude in 42 days. If there is any advice, we want to give to any election management body anywhere in the world.
“Our perennial advice will be don’t do it, it is dangerous and may lead to disputes which may be very difficult to resolve,” said Mamabolo.
Mamabolo said the commission will debrief with political parties, staff and observers to compile a report that may inform change in laws.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the announcement of the final results in Tshwane on Thursday.
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