IEC urges voter registration
GAUTENG – The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged the public to register to vote and to co-operate with the registration process in order to meet its target of two million new voter registrations ahead of next year’s general elections.
IEC chairperson Advocate Pansy Tlakula said, “Through its registration drive, the IEC hopes to increase registration to 80 percent of the voting age population, in line with levels of previous elections which would require an additional two million voters to register.”
Tlakula noted that Gauteng has the lowest voter registration at 69.2 percent, and encouraged those who were writing their final exams to take the time to register, explaining that voter registration, which will be conducted on 9 and 10 November, will be quick.
“We’ve no doubt that this coming weekend, voter registration will go smoothly. That all our registration stations will open, and we’ve put measures in place to ensure that registration proceeds smoothly, even in Malamulele,” Tlakula added.
She said the IEC was well prepared for voter registration, and that 22 263 registration stations would be open between 8am and 5pm on 9 and 10 November.
Ninety-five election officials would be stationed to register new voters and to verify the registration details of existing voters.
Eligible voters were advised that they are required to produce a green bar-coded ID book, or a Temporary ID Certificate, or the new smart card ID in order to register.
Despite voters having encountered problems when using the IEC website recently, Tim Truluck, ward councillor for Ward 117 said the problem had been fixed and the website was running smoothly.
Voters can check their voter registration details and get further information about registration and voting at www.elections.org.za
