Watch: What’s new at the polls this election
The Electoral Commission of South Africa's new YouTube series goes behind the scenes to show how it’s preparing for the local government elections.
South Africans can expect smoother and more efficient voting when they head to the polls.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) CEO, Sy Mamabolo, shared these insights during the debut episode of the commission’s new monthly podcast, launched on its YouTube channel today.
Hosted by Keabetswe Ncube, the episode features Mamabolo discussing the commission’s state of readiness and plans for the upcoming local government elections.
Mamabolo said one of the biggest changes voters will see when going to the polls is increased operational efficiency.
He added that the commission wants to ensure that staff at voting stations have the necessary supervisory and management experience.
Fair elections
When questioned by Ncube about how the commission intends to ensure a fair election, Mamabolo outlined four components.
He said the first is that people are registered correctly and that all divisions of the population are well represented.
“Point number two, that every citizen who wishes to participate as a candidate has the opportunity to do so,” Mamabolo added.
He also emphasised operating voting stations in an efficient manner so people can vote with ease.
“Fourthly, that we count the ballots correctly, record them accurately and announce them as people voted.”
Election date
On the topic of the election date, Mamabolo said the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, is currently in ongoing consultations with the IEC to hear the commission’s views and assess its state of readiness.
“The term of municipal councils, according to the Constitution, is five years. On November 1, the term comes to an end. Now, when a term comes to an end, an election must be held within 90 days – that is, between November 2 and the end of January 2027,” he explained.
Mamabolo said it is the law that the minister will decide on the date after consultations with the commission.
“The commission is of the view that the country will be better served with an early announcement,” he added.
Watch the full podcast here:
