Source: South African government
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa has formally launched the 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE 2024) programme to declare its readiness to host millions of eligible voters at over 23 290 voting stations across the country next year.
The theme for NPE 2024 will be Your Democracy, Own It – celebrating the fruits of democracy by showcasing different, real-life experiences of young South Africans from all corners of the country.
According to the IEC, the NPE 2024 will be historic as independent candidates will, for the first time, be able to contest for seats in the national and provincial elections.
The legislation enabling the participation of independent candidates was signed into law on 17 April by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The commission, led by its chairperson Mosotho Moepya and chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo, presided over the launch that was attended by various stakeholders, including political parties.
“We stand proud as the pre-eminent constitutionally-mandated body that manages elections, and make bold that we are ready for the NPE 2024,” Mamabolo said.
He explained that while the term of office of the current legislatures, national and provincial governments ends around 18 May 2024, the national and provincial governments will remain in office until the newly elected public representatives are able to take office.
He said in terms of the Constitution, the country must have an election within 90 days of the expiry of the legislatures’ terms.
“Therefore, an election is possible between May and the middle of August 2024. The proclamation of the election date is by President Cyril Ramaphosa, after consultation with the Electoral Commission.
“Our expectation is that the provincial elections will be, as they have for the past 30 years, synchronised with the national election,” he said.
Mamabolo said once the Electoral Amendment Act was signed into law by the president, the IEC moved with speed to finalise the supporting business applications necessary for the implementation of the Act.
Prior to each election, the IEC launches registration drives aimed at enrolling new voters and empowering existing ones to scrutinise and, where necessary, amend their registration details.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to open nearly all voting stations for the weekend of November 18th and 19th, 2023.
This monumental effort not only registers new voters, but also facilitates the verification of the roll. Station-based registration ensures equitable access to voting.
Modernising registration
Furthermore, the IEC has expanded registration modalities to enable voters’ continuous enrolment.
For those with internet access, registration, inspection, and updates are accessible via www.elections.org.za
The commission called on South Africans to use its online portal for registration, verification, and updates.
Voters may also visit local IEC offices or capitalise on various activation campaigns to register and update their information.
