Voting is said to be a right, privilege and responsibility.
This year, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) aims to guide 70 per cent of South Africans to the Local Government Elections (LGE) ballot, to help make full use of the power of voting.
Acting Regional Supervisor for the IEC, Nonhlanhla Mbonane elaborated on this.
The importance of voting
Mrs Mbonane said LGE was important, as voters could influence their representatives on local council, ensuring service delivery in their favour.
“People vote for who represents them, a person aware of their needs.”
The LGE is not only about political parties, but also present a chance for apolitical individuals to contest governance of wards.
Voting, Mrs Mbonane added, was important because of democracy, and giving one a voice.
First steps toward the ballot box
Before voting, residents need to register to vote in the same ward they reside; the IEC has put this into effect in 2016.
Demarcation of new wards of the greater Newcastle area has also played a role.
“We have realigned some voting stations to conform to the new ward boundaries. The IEC has started going out and informing those who are affected to re-register.”
Requirements to vote
Mrs Mbonane said the requirements to vote in South Africa are as follows:
– You must be a South African citizen.
– The vote itself is for over-18s alone, although future voters can register from 16 years of age.
– A voter must have a green barcoded Identity Document, or either a valid temporary ID or a smart card.
Ahead of the LGE – what to know
The first of two ‘voter registration weekends’ will be on March 5 and 6, and the IEC urged residents to make use of the first date.
A second date in early April might prove too late for all information to be confirmed.
“We encourage residents to use the first weekend, so details can be uploaded and information double-checked.”
Prospective voters can also check their status by SMSing their ID number to 32810, or calling the toll-free line: 080 011 8000.
The IEC has also launched an app, to reach the younger generations with ease.
“You can locate yourself and your voting station, check your voting status, view lists of current councillors; we will have voting results as they are revealed.”
The app is free for residents, Mrs Mbonane added.
When is the official voting date?
No formal date for the 2016 LGE has been set – this will be announced by President Jacob Zuma closer to the time.
However, the IEC believes itself ready for the months ahead.
“We are finalising logistics and are prepared for the proclaiming of the date.”
Once President Zuma announces this, the IEC will open the process for parties and individuals to signify their contesting of the elections.
What is the IEC Newcastle expecting of the LGE?
“We are expecting a maximum participation of 70 per cent. This will give us a good representation of what people want.”
Urging all eligible voters to enfranchise themselves, Mrs Mbonane said the IEC would endeavour to help residents who wishes to vote, do so.
Closer to the vote, numerous campaigns will be launched.
“We are looking closely at increasing voters in the 20 to 29 age category, which has been lacking in our democracy.”
For this reason, the IEC is targeting school pupils to become registered on the voters’ roll, even though they could only vote from 18 onwards.
“We have gone as far as to capacitate with outreach staff, and we are hopeful of covering all areas,” she concluded.
