THE Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has again approached the Electoral Court to postpone by-elections following the implementation of Covid-19 Level 3 lockdown restrictions which prohibits political campaigning.
IEC spokesperson, Kate Bapela, said the IEC was seeking the court’s approval to postpone by-elections scheduled for 3 February and 17 February, on the basis that the latest regulations curtail political activities and therefore compromise the fairness of the elections.
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‘The Electoral Commission noted that even though many of the preparations for the by-elections have been concluded and protocols are in place for the safe elections as piloted in November and December, the regulations prohibiting political activities will seriously hamper campaigning by candidates and political parties,’ said Bapela.
The court application seeks to extend the 90-day period within which by-elections of councillor vacancies must take place.
The approach to the Electoral Court followed consultations with political parties via the National Party Liaison Committee, during which all parties expressed support for the postponement.
‘By-elections scheduled for 3 March currently remain on track. However, the Electoral Commission will continue to monitor developments closely with regards to restrictions before deciding whether to proceed or approach the court for a postponement of by-elections on this date, as well as rescheduling any postponed by-elections as soon as possible,’ Bapela said.
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