The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officially launched the 2019 elections operations centre this afternoon in Pretoria West.
The Tshwane Events Centre has been home to the IEC operations centre for nine successive elections, these elections are however significant in that there are 48 political parties that will appear on the ballot paper.
This is the largest number of registered parties since the dawn of South Africa’s democracy. “This points to a maturing and enhancing democratic multi-party system of governance,” said IEC Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo.
The IEC has confirmed that it will be ready for the 26 million registered voters on May 8.
Mamabolo has however noted that the only challenge the IEC is experiencing is collecting the address data of all registered voters.
He says voters who have not yet provided their address will need to do so prior to receiving a ballot paper.
The IEC has also warned political parties against prematurely declaring a win in the elections.
“Only the electoral commission can proclaim and announce the results of the election therefore we appeal to all stakeholders to respect this,” said Glen Mashinini, IEC Chair.
The election results are set to be released from the Tshwane Events Centre on May 11.
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