Date announced for local government elections
Mr Mamabolo said the commission will deliberate on the issues, concerns and suggestions raised by parties to consider how these may be accommodated.
The Electoral Commission is finalising the finer details ahead of the local government elections which has been set down for October 27, 2021.
Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo met with leaders and representatives of political parties in the National Party Liaison Committee to discuss a range of issues relating to the sixth municipal council elections last Thursday.
Discussions included the date, progress in the administrative planning for the elections, and issues related to the health and safety of participants under the continued Covid-19 pandemic.
He said a number of parties tabled their concerns regarding restrictions on political gatherings and other constraints to campaigning under the current national state of disaster regulations.
Some parties have proposed postponing the elections in light of the pandemic, while others indicated that the elections should proceed under special Covid-19 protocols, as part of ‘the new normal’.
Mr Mamabolo said the commission will deliberate on the issues, concerns and suggestions raised by parties to consider how these may be accommodated.
The commission will soon embark on a national voter registration campaign to facilitate and encourage participation in the elections, by as many eligible voters as possible.
The campaign will culminate in a national voter registration weekend, during which all voting stations will open between 8am and 5pm to allow new voters to register and existing voters to change, update and check their registration details.
The dates for this weekend will be announced soon.
The commission reminded voters that there will be only one general voter registration weekend due to resource constraints.
Mr Mamabolo called on all eligible voters – especially first-time voters – to ensure they are ready to register to participate, including obtaining identity documents, where necessary.
Other key preparations will include finalising candidate nominations for ward and PR (Proportional Representation) lists for the more than 10 000 seats to be contested in 205 local municipalities, eight metros and 44 district councils.
“This will primarily be managed via the Online Candidate Nomination System. Candidate nominations are scheduled to take place during August and September.
Arrangements will also be put in place for special votes.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
