The Institute of Election Management Services in Africa (IEMSA) says going to the local government elections, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) will face many challenges, including the distribution of ballot papers.
It says the first day of registrations started with glitches as the new Voter Management Devices (VMDs) have been introduced.
This weekend is the last chance for South Africans to register to vote and check their voter registration status ahead of the November local government elections.
Executive chair of the IEMSA, Terry Tselane says generating ballot papers would be another hurdle for IEC given the time to do so.
“Here with local government elections, they got to distribute 4 500 distinct ballot papers to different wards and that on its own is going to be a challenge on its own given the disruptions that have already happened and the fact that they have limited time to do so,” says Tselane.
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IEC urges eligible voters to register for IDs and update their details online
The IEC has encouraged eligible voters to go online and register or update their details.
It says the online system has received more than 200 000 applications since Thursday.
Over 23 000 voters’ registration stations around the country were opened from 8 am to 5 pm on Saturday. The stations are also be opened on Sunday.
IEC Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo says they are expecting over 2 million people to register or update their details this weekend.
“We urge everybody to take advantage of it. Online will close at midnight on Monday. It’s a legal imperative. The voters roll closes on the date on which an election is called. In other words, for the purpose of that election, you are unable to register beyond the proclamation date,” says Mamabolo.
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