IEC ready to hold free and fair elections

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs welcomes progress made so far in preparations for the 2016 local government elections. The Committee is of the view that all necessary systems are being put in place to ensure that the Electoral Commission continues in its proud tradition of managing and delivering free and fair elections.

The Committee welcomes the conclusion of procurement of registration materials. This will ensure that the IEC rolls out the registration campaign without any hindrance. The Committee also welcomes the announcement that the IEC has factored into their processes all aspects of the Tlokwe Constitutional judgment.

Furthermore, the Committee welcomes the finalisation of a network of voting district boundaries impacted by the Local Government Elections 2016 ward boundaries. The Committee also welcomes the commitment by the IEC to a continuous and open communication with registered parties as well as stakeholders. This will ensure that the legitimacy of the elections is guaranteed.

The Committee is of the view that political parties have the responsibility to assist the IEC to deliver credible elections. To this end, the Committee also welcomes the announcement that vote counting will start immediately as voting stops at every voting station. Further to this, party agents that will have monitored the counting of votes will then co-sign results slips to ensure faith and trust in the electoral process.

Despite this, the Committee is concerned by the large number of possible voters that do not appear on the voters roll. The Committee encourages all South Africans, especially the 5.71 million potential voters between the ages of 18-39, who qualify to vote to register to ensure that they actively participate in this democratic process. The Committee also welcomes the plans by the IEC to roll out plans to encourage people to register. The Committee looks forward to the 5th and 6th March open registration weekend. 

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Malatswa Evans Molepo
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920