IEC delays voter registration on account of third wave

Voter registrations for the elections, to be held before 1 November, was set to take place on July 17 and 18

July 11, 2021

Witbank News 1 minute read

Even with the two-week postponement the Commission remains confident that a successful election can be held within the reduced timetable of 82 days instead of the original 86 days.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has postponed the voter registration weekend to July 31 and August 1.

Voter registrations for the elections, to be held before 1 November, was set to take place on July 17 and 18.

According to IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela in the announcement made on July 7, the decision comes after a review of the Covid-19 conditions facing the country over the past seven days and its impact on preparations for the registration weekend.

“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 informed the inquiry that the current third wave of infections was likely to persist at least until the end of July.

“Taking into consideration the various factors including the constitutional timeframe which requires the elections to be held before 1 November and the minimum period required for the election timetable, the Commission resolved to postpone the voter registration weekend to the latest possible date [July 31 to August 1],” Bapela added.

Even with the two-week postponement the Commission remains confident that a successful election can be held within the reduced election timetable of 82 days instead of the original 86 days.

The IEC today [July 7] briefed the National Party Liaison Committee on the revised timelines and plans – the decision was welcomed by most part representatives.

The Commission is however still awaiting the Moseneke Inquiry’s final report into whether the elections can be free and fair if they proceed as scheduled on October 27.

The final report is scheduled to be presented by July 21.

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