By-elections postponed temporarily due to COVID-19 pandemic
The Electoral Court ruled that the by-elections could be held beyond the 90 day legislated period for the filling of councillor vacancies but not beyond 120 days from the date of the order.
LAST week the Electoral Court granted the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) application to postpone the by-elections scheduled for March, April and May due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This has also impacted on Ward 36, where a by-election was due to be held following the resignation of ward councillor, Shaun Ryley.
Acting councillor for the area, Shontel de Boer, encouraged residents to contact her for any issues or concerns.
Read also: South Africa to be on lockdown for 21 days-Ramaphosa
“The by-election was meant to be held within three months of a resignation but due to the Covid-19 the IEC has postponed all by-elections. Once the President declares South Africa safe to go back to normal the IEC will notify us of the date of all outstanding by elections. I will continue to work in the ward and assist residents with their issues and concerns until a candidate is selected and the by election resumes,” she said.
In a statement the IEC welcomed the ruling of the Electoral Court.
“The court ruled that the by-elections could be held beyond the 90 day legislated period for the filling of councillor vacancies but not beyond 120 days from the date of the order. The Electoral Commission will monitor Covid-19 developments over the coming weeks and will make announcements regarding the rescheduling of the by-elections after a thorough evaluation of the circumstances and in line with regulations governing the national emergency.
Voters should monitor the Electoral Commission’s website and follow us on social media pages (@IECSouthAfrica) to receive updates,” the commission said in a statement.
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