South Africans will on Tuesday get a clearer idea about whether they will head to the polls on 27 October. Former deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke will hand over his report on whether free and fair local government elections can be held in the country, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The inquiry has received over 4 000 submissions from the public, as well as political parties, health experts and electoral roleplayers.
The African National Congress (ANC) has proposed that the polls be postponed by one to six months from the current date of October 27. However, in the call for a postponement is the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
LGE 2021 | Work continues while we await Justice Moseneke’s feasibility report on these polls: IEC
In contrast, the Democratic Alliance (DA) says that everything must be done to stick to the regularity of elections, as prescribed by the constitution.
According to health non-governmental organization – Health Justice Initiatives – the limited supply of vaccines to developing countries must be factored in.
Moseneke will hand his report with recommendations to the electoral commission with the electoral body having to decide how to proceed.
Should it decide on a postponement, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC )will need to approach the electoral court.
Moseneke Inquiry | Hearings into free and fair local government elections during the COVID-19 pandemic
