Final voter registration weekend announced

Voters have one last chance to register or ensure their details are up to date ahead of the upcoming general elections.

This as the IEC announced the second and final voter registration weekend.

Set to be held on Saturday, 3 and Sunday, 4 February, all 23 296 polling stations across the country will be open from 8am to 5pm.

“Following the first registration weekend held on 18 and 19 November 2023, the voters’ roll contains 26.8 million voters, of which 568 374 registered for the first time during that period.

“We are hopeful that the second registration weekend will build on and surpass the satisfactory turnout recorded in November,” said IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela, adding that citizens aged 16 years and older can register to vote.

“The only thing they need is their ID book or a valid temporary ID certificate,” she said.

“They need only provide their address or a description of where they live. Proof of address is not a requirement to register as a voter. South Africans living abroad will have an opportunity to register at South Africa’s 120 high commissions, embassies and consulates.”

Bapela said those living abroad can register on 26, 27 and 28 January.

“In addition, voter registration will also be conducted in correctional centres around the country to allow inmates to exercise their right to vote.

“Working with the Department of Correctional Services, the commission will undertake the registration of inmates between 30 January and 1 February.

“Family members of those who are incarcerated are requested to deliver the identity documents of inmates to them ahead of this registration drive,” she said.

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