Is South Africa ready for electronic voting? Public called to comment

There is much debate about whether or not South Africa is ready for electronic voting.

This as the deadline looms for voters to submit their views, proposals and concerns about introducing electronic voting (e-voting) at some point in the future.

“Public consultations are taking place across all provinces to ensure inclusive and wide-reaching engagement on the policy document.

“We invite South Africans to submit their views, proposals and concerns on this important matter. Submissions should be sent to evoting@elections.org.za by no later than the end of September,” said IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo.

Mamabolo was briefing the media on Tuesday about preparations for the local government elections next year. The general elections of municipal councils will be between 2 November 2026 and the end of January 2027.

He said the commission has, however, not yet decided on adopting e-voting.

“The current physical ballot papers will be used in the impending municipal elections, as there is no official national policy and legislative framework on e-voting,” said Mamabolo.

He said once the consultation process is concluded, the commission will integrate the comments into the current discussion document to produce a green paper.

“The green paper will then be presented to the minister of home affairs to process through the relevant constitutional structures,” said Mamabolo.

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