IT'S all system go for the 2024 national and provincial elections.
This comes after the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa formally launched the 2024 election programme on Tuesday, 24 October.
The launch which was led by the institution’s chairman, Mosotho Moepya and the chief electoral officer, Sy Mamabolo, was held at Gallagher Estates in Midrand.
It was also attended by various stakeholders, including political parties. IEC has declared that it is ready to host millions of eligible voters at more than 23 296 voting stations across the country.
The IEC said the 2024 elections will be historic as independent candidates will, for the first time, be able to contest for seats at the national and provincial elections.
The regulations enabling the participation of independent candidates was signed into law in April by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Addressing the delegates, Mamabolo said they stand proud that they are ready for the 2024 election.
He explained that while the term of office of the current legislatures, national and nine provincials, ends around 18 May 2023, the national and provincial governments would remain in office until the newly elected public representatives are able to take office.
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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 our head of state, His Excellency 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, be synchronised with the national election,” he said.
Mamabolo said that once the Electoral Amendment Act was signed into law by the president, the commission moved with deliberate speed to finalise the supporting business applications necessary for the implementation of the Act.
Touching on the voters' registration, Mamabolo said prior to each election, the commission launches registration drives aimed at enrolling new voters and empowering existing ones to scrutinise and, where necessary, amend their registration details.
“The commission reiterates its commitment to open nearly 23 296 voting stations for the weekend of November 18th and 19th, 2023,” he said.
“For those with internet access, registration, inspection, and updates are accessible via www.elections.org.za. Voters may also visit local commission offices or capitalise on various activation campaigns to register and update their information,” he said.
