IEC ready for elections
15 000 electoral staff are available on voting day.
HIGHVELD – The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) management in Mpumalanga said they are to conduct the general elections.
More than 15 000 electoral staff members were trained and 50 per cent are women and two per cent are people who are living with disabilities.
The IEC trained party agents of all political parties in Ermelo and in Nelspruit recently.
Party agents’ role are to monitor voting stations.
Those who are unable to vote on 7 May because of certain valid reasons, were given a chance to apply for special votes.
To ensure that no political party will be found on the wrong side of the IEC law, the commission has introduced a handbook on electoral offenses.
It states clearly the punishment for breaking the law such as the issuing of prohibitions concerning placards and billboards during the elections and defacing or unlawfully removing any billboard, placard or poster published by a party or candidate for the purpose of the election.
It will warrant a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years.
Some of the illegal activities on voting day, include campaigning and party agents are not allowed to wear political party T-shirts, berets or caps.
