The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature is embarking on a Voter Education Campaign across the Province to encourage and educate citizens to exercise their right to vote.
The Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs), OR Tambo District Municipality Councillors, King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality Councillors, officials from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and representatives from MTN will educate the electorate on Friday, 01 July in Mthatha, Owen Street from 10h00.
The second group will be in Engcobo Main Street in front of KFC from 10h00.
The Hon. Speaker of the Legislature, Ms Noxolo Kiviet, is appealing to the youth to act responsible by voting to defend democracy. The Speaker encourages potential voters to do the right thing focusing in arears with low voter turnout registrations.
“We want to make our people aware that their voices counts and by staying away from polling stations you are selling away democracy”, she said.
Voter Education campaign is an instrument to enhance public participation as the cornerstone for constitutional democracy. The campaign is an initiative of the Legislature in partnership with the IEC to reach as many people as possible ahead of the coming municipal elections. This initiative took off the ground after an observation has been made of the poor turnout by youth in voting.
Its key focus is encouraging first time voters, influencing the youth and other potential voters to participate maximally in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 03 August 2016.
The campaign which continues until the 25 of July and will be rolled out as follows:
- KSD & Engcobo : 1 July 2016
- Mdanstane : 11 July 2016
- Nkonkobe & Mnquma : 19 July 2016
- Sarah Baartman : 21 July 2016
- Nyandeni & Ngquza : 4 July 2016
- Mhlontlo & Lukhanji : 8 July 2016
- Ntabankulu & Mt Ayliff : 22 July 2016
- Port Elizabeth & Uitenhage : 25 July 2016
Members of the media are invited to join the institution in its bid to increase voter turnout to make democracy work.
Enquiries:
Velisile Bukula
Cell: 071 642 3495
