9 February 2009
The High Court of South Africa (Transvaal Provincial Division) handed down
judgement this morning in the matter of Willem Stephanus Richter (the
applicant) and the Minister of Home Affairs (first respondent), the Electoral
Commission (second respondent) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs (third
respondent).
The Electoral Commission (IEC) has just received a copy of this judgement
and is studying it. It would appear as if the court has found certain
provisions in the Electoral Act to be unconstitutional and therefore invalid.
If this is so, the judgement will now go to the Constitutional Court for
confirmation or otherwise. As the commission understands, the judgement will
become final if and when it is confirmed by the Constitutional Court.
Enquiries:
Kate Bapela
Cell: 082 600 6386
Issued by: Independent Electoral Commission
9 February 2009
