The official launch of the 2016 Municipal Elections was held on 14 January at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
IEC CEO Mosotho Moepya stated that there will be 22 600 voting stations around the country with 50 000 electoral officials hired to serve voters. Moepya confirmed that the registration weekend will be on 5 and 6 March.
A few of the issues that arose were:
• The Municipal Demarcation Board has reduced the number of wards from 278 to 257.
Chairperson says #2016MunicipalElections challenges incl municipal demarcation process, service delivery protests, & bussing in of voters.
— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) January 14, 2016
• Also as previously stated that there will be 22 600 voting stations allowing for greater access to stations in Joburg.
• The IEC is targeting the youth in their 2016 campaign as Moepya added that the youth of SA is the focus of the IEC.
More than 80% of eligible voters not registered are under 30 yrs of age. Youth of SA is focus of #2016MunicipalElections campaign.
— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) January 14, 2016
Registration for voters under 30 yrs of age currently stands under 50%, says Chairperson. #FirstTimeVoters #2016MunicipalElections
— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) January 14, 2016
Vice chairman Terry Tselane added, “We have the people, we have the system, and we are ready to deliver.”