Voting stations across the country will be open on the 18th and 19th of September to enable those wishing to participate in the November 1 election to register or amend their details if they have moved or changed their address.
“In order to register voters need to bring an identity document which may be a smartcard or green barcoded book or a temporary identification certificate. It is essential that a voter indicates an address or a description of a place where they live. Proof of residence is not a requirement for registration purposes. Jurisprudence from our courts provides that the commission must record a voters address and ensure that a voter is registered within a ward in which they are ordinarily a resident,” says IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo.
This weekend is the last opportunity for those wishing to participate in the local elections to register as the voters roll is due to close on Monday the 20th of September when the date of elections is officially proclaimed.
VIDEO: Readiness for the voter registration weekend on 18-19 September 2021
The IEC says it expects between 500 000 and 2 million more registrations throughout its over 23 000 stations in the country.
IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Mawethu Mosery says the number of registered voters of 25 million in 2019 has declined by around 700 000.
Addressing the concern of COVID-19 guidelines, Mosery says strict protocols are in place and citizens can rest assured that their safety is a top priority.
“We are sub-dividing some of these big stations to what we call a voting centre which will have sub-voting stations. Three or four to assist making sure that voters spend minimal time at the voting station.”
