IEC calls on eligible voters to register for May by-elections

Municipal ward by-elections will be held in six provinces on 19 May 2021.

There are concerns about the forthcoming local government elections. Picture: Gallo Images

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Friday called on eligible South Africans to register to vote during this weekend’s voter registration drive for the upcoming by-elections in six provinces.

This is ahead of 40 municipal ward by-elections in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces on 19 May 2021.

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Voting stations in the contested wards will open on Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 5pm to allow voters to register and for registered voters to check their registration details.

“Voters should take their ID with them – either a green barcoded ID book, a smartcard ID or a valid temporary ID certificate. They will also need to complete their physical home address on registration or provide sufficient particularities of their place of residence. Documented proof of address (like a municipal account) is not required,” the IEC said in a statement.

The commission said voters could also check and update their details at their local IEC offices in week days during office hours.

“Voters are reminded it is a criminal offence to register and vote in a ward in which they are not ordinarily resident,” the IEC said.

The IEC said special voting would take place at voting stations as well as through home visits on 18 May between 8am and 5pm.

Voters who want to apply to cast a special vote can apply at their local IEC office during office hours from 3-7 May 2021.

The commission also said by-elections would be held under strict Covid-19 protocols aimed at ensuring the safety of voters, election staff, party agents, observers and other stakeholders. These include strict social distancing practices outside and inside voting stations as well as the use of hand sanitisers as voters enter and exit voting stations.

“Voters, election staff and all those entering the voting station will be required to wear a mask at all times. Voters are encouraged to bring their own pens to mark their ballot papers, although pens will be provided and sanitised after each use.”

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