System prevents voter registration fraud – IEC

THE IEC in uThungulu has allayed fears that wholesale fraud could occur during the voter registration process for the upcoming municipal elections.

Last weekend thousands visited voting booths to register for the first time, but they were not required to provide proof of residence.

This gave rise to fears from residents that some people could, using a fraudulent ID document, register to vote in more than one area.

‘When you register to vote for the first time you are required to fill in a form,’ said IEC uThungulu Regional Supervisor, Stella Dlamini.

‘This form can be seen as an affidavit, a binding legal document.’

Dlamini said the IEC uses electornic scanners to log ID numbers of citizens who register.

This online system then links up to the Home Affairs population database and matches ID numbers.

‘The system will immediately pick up if a person had previously registered in another area. Even if you have been married but have not changed your ID document, the system will pull up your married surname.

‘The system has every ID number ever issued by Home Affairs on record, so there is no possible way to register twice.’

Dlamini emphasized that if investigators found that a voter had provided false information on registration forms, they could face criminal charges.

‘Such people could be charged with fraud and arrested, and will face five to 10 years in prison,’ she said.

Voters are reminded that municipal demarcation changes mean some will have to re-register at new booths in and around the City of uMhlathuze.

If you are unsure, visit elections.org.za where an interactive map will allow you to identify the voting booth you now need to visit.

Easy on-screen prompts will also allow you to check your registration details.