IEC in Limpopo counting the cost of Thabazimbi by-elections
Updated | By Lebohang Ndashe
The Independent Electoral Commission in Limpopo admitted on Wednesday that the upcoming by-elections in Thabazimbi will burn a hole in its budget.
The fresh elections follow the Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance’s decision in August to dissolve the municipal council amid a financial crisis.
For the past two years, the municipality has been operating with two parallel councils and two administrative managerial teams.
Limpopo's electoral officer, Nkaro Mateta, detailed the upcoming voter registration weekend's strategy on Wednesday, confirming that only five political parties would take part in the polls.
Mateta said the IEC would have to fork out for marketing and other election materials, such as ballot boxes, papers, and logistics, ahead of the elections.
The polls will take place across 57 voting stations in two wards.
“Democracy is expensive,” Mateta said.
“These elections are different because Ward 1 is different from Ward 2. Hence, we are not printing the same ballot papers for different wards. That’s why I cannot quantify the costs, but I can estimate that it might be hundreds and hundreds of thousands.”
Three new political parties will join the ANC, DA, EFF, Thabazimbi Residents Association and Thabazimbi Forum in contesting the by-elections.
Mateta said the three political parties have already gone through proper due diligence.
“Registration of political parties is open, and there is no deadline, as long as you can register before the candidate nomination closes,” she added.
The nomination process will open on 25 October and close on 11 November.
Due to the expected low voter turnout, Mateta said the IEC will make use of multiple media platforms, such as local community media and social media, to encourage residents to vote.
“We also on social media, we know that several of Thabazimbi residents are young people. So, you are also going to find us in that space,” Mateta added.
ALSO READ
Show's Stories
-
LISTEN: Do single people deserve to have a special celebration too?
There seems to be a celebration day for everyone, but only if you are ha...
The Drive with Rob & Roz 14 hours ago -
Traveller gets petty revenge on fellow airplane passenger
Did this person take it one step too far?
The Drive with Rob & Roz 14 hours ago