LGE 2021 | IEC to use VMDs instead of ‘zip-zip machines”

The upcoming Local Government Election will be the first since 1998 where the so-called ‘zip-zip machines’ won’t be used.

The machines were used to scan people’s identity documents (IDs) at voting stations.

on Saturday, IEC Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo announced the use of around 40 000 new Voter Management Devices (VMDs).

The VMD’s are being put through their paces for the first time this weekend during voter registration.

Mamabolo says the VMD’s are connected to the internet, but where the signal is weak or non-existent, the information is stored and uploaded when the device is in contact with a strong internet signal.

” VMDs will enable almost instantaneous citizenship verification as well as the correct capturing of the residential address, assisted by a mapping functionality which is built into the apps on the device. Registration applications have been loaded and at least one VMD has been allocated to each voting station on the logistics voting system,” says Mamabolo.

IEC Media Briefing – Update on the voter registration progress

Video: New Voter Management Device

New Voter Management Device video by Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC)

156 000 people have already made use of the IEC online platforms ” IEC on Saturday afternoon

The IEC says voter registration at its more than 23 000 registration stations across the country as well as on its online portal, is going well.

Chief Electoral Officer of the IEC, Sy Mamabolo, says 156 000 people have already made use of the IEC online platforms to register to vote in the Local Government Election.

He has assured South Africans that all COVID-19 protocols are in place at every voting station where more than 48 000 IEC officials are ready to help with the registration process.

“The following registration protocols will apply at the registration stations during this weekend. Facemask and the cloth mask covering the mouth and nose is prescribed, social distancing with a minimum of 1.5 meters and sanitizing hands upon entry into the registration station. In order to register, voters need to bring an identity document, a smart card or green barcoded ID or a temporary ID certificate,” says Mamabolo.