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Measures in place to ensure adherence to COVID-19 protocols: IEC

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The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says it has put measures in place to ensure the adherence to COVID-19 protocols during the local government elections on Monday.

South Africans are heading to the polls to cast their votes for the municipal elections.

The two-day special voting process closed at 5 pm on Sunday with over 80% of special votes being cast throughout the country.

IEC Chairperson, Glen Mashinini says it is the priority of the Commission to conduct safe elections in the context of the pandemic.

“Electoral staff will be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment to minimise the risk of spreading the virus. The following acceptable methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be enforced. Among them is maintaining social distancing by observing distance of at least a meter & a half away from each other or the next person and sanitising frequently. Touch surfaces will also… The pens will be provided and disinfected after each use. However, voters are encouraged; should they wish to do so, they should bring their own pens.”

LGE 2021 | IEC media briefing: 

IEC preparedness

IEC CEO, Sy Mamabolo says the Commission is prepared to deal with the eventuality of power outages during the voting process for the local government elections today.

There have been concerns over the Commission’s ability to conduct elections after some parts of the country experienced power cuts last week prompting an address by Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan and Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter.

Some power cuts were also experienced during the two-day special voting process over the weekend.

Mamabolo highlights the preparedness of the Commission.

IEC media briefing Q and A session on Day 2 of Special Voting: 

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