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Those who could not register to vote urged to visit IEC offices

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Political parties are urging those who could not register in the final weekend of voter registration to do that at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)  or municipal offices across the country. The IEC opened its over 22 930 registration offices at the weekend for first time voters to come and register and for those who are already on the voters’ roll to check and update their details.

Both political parties and the electoral body have expressed satisfaction at the turnout. Most political parties are encouraged by the citizen’s turnout during the IEC’s final voter registration weekend.

They say what is most encouraging is that young people and first time voters have heeded the call to take the future in their own hands.

Again different parties pulled out all stops on the second day of voter registration fielding their big-wigs to visit different registration centres and their party tables to encourage people to register ahead of the May polls.

The African National Congress (ANC) deployed its former President Jacob Zuma to Mohlakeng outside Randfontein and Bekkersdal in Westonaria west of Johannesburg while the Democratic Alliance (DA) had its leader Mmusi Maimane in his hometown of Dobsonville in Soweto. President Zuma started at the Methodist church where he asked parishioners to pray for peace in the country during elections.

He received a warm welcome at an open field where he told his audience about the importance of voting.

The former president also warned ANC members not to be complacent and think that the ANC will win even if they do not vote. Zuma also urged the ANC rank and file members to play a role in ensuring unity within the organisation as the party goes into elections.

He then visited ANC registrations tables and interacted with party agents at different registration centres where most young people came to register.

 

In Soweto Mmusi Maimane registered accompanied by his parents and siblings who only came to check and update their details. He urged young people to participate in voting and choose the government that will build the future they want.

The Apostolic Faith Misssion River of Life Church in Soshanguve North of Pretoria welcomed the visit of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema.

Malema and other EFF members attended the church’s Sunday service.  The EFF is set to launch its manifesto for the 2019 general elections in Soshanguve on 2 February. The church welcomed Julius Malema with songs and renditions. He was flanked by an EFF entourage, including the party’s national spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.

In his brief address with the congregation, Malema highlighted his key message: A call for a peaceful election. He urged all churches to pray for fair and peaceful elections. “We received the sermon and, the blessing of the leaders of the church prayed for us. We asked the church that they must pray for peaceful elections, and that there should not be a drop of blood because of the elections. People must have the right to choose the government of their choice without any form of intimidation; people must be allowed to exercise their democratic right without being threatened.”

 

Meanwhile the IEC has thanked all South Africans for heeding the call to visit the voting registrations over the past two days. The registration weekend went smoothly with few incidents of protests recorded countrywide.

The IEC will release the outcomes of the voter registration at a media briefing in Cape Town. For now those who could not register this weekend are advised to do that at the IEC or municipal offices countrywide.

This is until the president proclaims the election date which means the voters roll will now be closed. Click below for more on the story: 

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