Electoral Commission delays voter registration weekend by two weeks

THE Electoral Commission has postponed the voter registration weekend by two weeks in light of the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic currently sweeping the country.

At a special meeting on Wednesday, the Commission resolved to reschedule the voter registration weekend from July 17-18 to the weekend of July 31 – August 1.

The decision was made following a review of the current conditions including the rate of infections and hospitalisations over the past seven days and its impact on preparations for the registration weekend.

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The Commission also considered concerns raised by political parties through the National Party Liaison Committee of proceeding with voter registration as well as warnings from health officials and other experts during last week’s oral submissions before the Moseneke Inquiry regarding the risks of proceeding with a voter registration weekend under the current conditions.

Health experts told the Inquiry last week that the current third wave of infections was likely to persist until at least the end of the month.

The two-week postponement will have a knock-on effect on certain dates and activities associated with the proclamation and election including delaying proclamation by four days until August 6.

However, the Commission remains confident that successful elections can be held within a reduced election timetable of 82 days rather than the original 86 days.

The Commission will continue to monitor developments regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.

Any further changes to the election plans will be made in consultation with political parties, government authorities and other key stakeholders and will be communicated with all stakeholders.