Ramaphosa announces election date
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced Wednesday, 27 October, as the date on which local government elections will take place.
The announcement comes amid earlier uncertainty over the elections amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Several opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) have called on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to postpone the elections to 2024.
They believe the Covid-19 pandemic, and the lack of face-time with potential voters, would render the election unfair.
EFF leader Julius Malema has said rolling out elections this year would deprive opposition parties of an opportunity to freely and fairly campaign.
ALSO READ: Supra Mahumapelo suspended from ANC for 'sowing divisions in party'
It will be the sixth time under South Africa's democratic dispensation that voters will elect leadership and public representatives at metropolitan, district and local level.
“The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will follow the necessary legal process to proclaim the date and undertake other requirements,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday evening.”
“The President urges eligible - and especially first-time voters - to ensure they are registered to participate in the elections which provide the basis for development and service delivery closest to where citizens live.”
