IEC to introduce new technology to prevent double voting

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has notified the public that it will soon be issuing tenders for the procurement of new voter registration technology, Springs Advertiser reports.

This new technology will support the process of voter registration and help manage the voters’ roll on voting day.

Last Monday, the IEC indicated that 60 000 of these portable devices will be purchased to replace the existing registration devices known as zip-zip machines.

The IEC says potential suppliers of these devices will be required to maintain and repair these machines over their lifespan of about 10 years.

These new devices will present a radical departure from the current “outdated and inadequate systems”, says the IEC.

This comes after the controversy that arose during the May 8 national election when some voters were able to vote twice after removing the indelible ink from their thumbs.