Local IEC says it is ready for the May 29 elections

The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it is ready to hold the May 29 elections.

“Regular elections are an important cornerstone of our democracy that every South African citizen should participate in. Every election provides a voter with an opportunity to choose a political party or independent candidate that he /she believes can represent him/her well and ensure that their voice is heard,” Mbonane said.

The IEC has captured a total of 190 899 registered voters as per the certified voters’ roll (March 2024) in Newcastle with 56,38 per cent female voters (107 637) and  43,62 per cent male (83262). Following the online registration portal, there has been a significant increase in the number of registered voters with Newcastle recording 4516 of voters between the ages of 18-19.

To accommodate the high number of voters, KZN leads with the most voting stations, with 119 stations in Newcastle.

These elections are believed to be the most highly contested in the history of South Africa with over 70 political parties contesting the elections, 11 independent candidates, and 52 national contestants,

In total, over 14 903 candidates are vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures.

Seeking to allay any worries from voters stemming from political tensions in the province, the IEC has reassured the public of their safety during the election period.

”The IEC collaborates with several State entities to ensure elections are conducted in an environment which is conducive to democracy. As such all voting stations are allocated a member(s) of SAPS who is stationed from the opening time until the counting has been concluded,” Mbonbane said.

“Political parties and independents are important stakeholders during an election and their participation on election day is guided by legislation. They are also allowed to display temporary facilities outside the voting station boundary but remain bound by the electoral Code of Conduct that they signed to ensure free and fair elections,” she added.

Voters are reminded of the general rule of election, which is to vote where you have registered except those who have notified the commission by May 17 that they would be voting outside of their voting district.

Voters must carry their new smartcard ID, green, barcoded ID book or temporary ID certificate. Drivers’ licences and passports will not be accepted as valid forms of identification.

Should residents encounter any problems at the voting station, there are officials on-site to assist. “Each voting station has a Presiding Officer who is responsible for managing the station as well as stakeholders. Voters in need of assistance will be attended to by the Presiding Officer of the station where registered to vote,” said Mbonane

Voters will receive three ballots: the national ballot, regional ballot and provincial ballot. Voters are reminded to make one clear mark on the box next to their preferred candidate to avoid a spoilt ballot.

Mbonane warned that a ballot paper is considered spoiled if the voter’s choice is unclear, if the voter’s identity is revealed by marking the ballot, if the ballot is unmarked, if the marking obscures the voter’s choice, or if the ballot paper lacks the official Commission stamp.

Following voting, the ballot counting will occur at the voting stations.

There are no plans to transport any uncounted ballots from one station to another.

”Staff are trained to conduct counting and ensure accuracy up until a results slip is issued. On top of the staff, who will be conducting voting, counting officers have been appointed to assist with counting,” stated Mbonane

“The process is also done in the presence of stakeholders such as agents, observers, and candidates to ensure transparency,” she emphasized.

Concluding, Mbonane wished all Newcastle residents a free and fair Election Day.

“With all the necessary measures put in place for elections to be free, fair and credible, we believe voters in Newcastle will have a hassle-free election experience. We encourage all registered voters to go out and participate in these historic elections and make their voices be heard.”

To check registration status and where you are registered to vote, sms ID to 32810

The full list of physical locations of voting stations is on the IEC website www.elections.org.za.

Your name should be on the voters’ roll of the voting district where you are registered.

If it is not, SMS your ID to 32810 to receive an IEC confirmation SMS to prove registration.

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).