The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs welcomes the announcement by the Presidency of the date of the 2016 municipal elections. These elections, which have been scheduled to take place on 3 August 2016, will entrench the democratic system within the country.
This announcement has been made in an opportune time, just a few days before the final voter registration weekend of 9 to 10 April 2016. This gives all eligible voters the opportunity to register to vote, thereby making a positive contribution in building the country and strengthening South Africa’s democratic order.
The Committee further welcomes the announcement by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) of its readiness to roll out the voter registration weekend. The Committee is hopeful that no disruptions will occur during this registration weekend.
For communities that still harbour unhappiness due to varying reasons, the Committee continues to urge them to constructively seek avenues to solve their grievances. The Committee urges all to desist from any intention to disrupt the registration process.
As the IEC prepares for the 3 August elections, the Committee calls on all eligible voters, especially young and first-time voters, to register to vote. Furthermore, in light of the Constitutional Court ruling, the Committee urges all registered voters to visit voting stations and verify their addresses to ensure that the elections are deemed free and fair.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Malatswa Evans Molepo
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
