IEC faces ‘significant challenges’ ahead of 2024 national elections
How ready is South Africa for next year's elections?
AS South Africa gears up for the 2024 general elections, focus is on the state of readiness of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
This amid significant challenges, such as funding constraints and a new electoral system.
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This is according to elections expert Michael Atkins, who on Tuesday spoke at a webinar hosted by the Institute of Race Relations (IRR).
Atkins’ presentation was based on a paper commissioned by the IRR, entitled ‘How ready will we be for the 2024 elections?‘.
He said South Africa’s pre-election challenges are in the context of global challenges democracy is facing, from disputed election results to disinformation.
Atkins said the fact that there will be a third ballot in next year’s election could see the announcement of election results later than the now customary three days.
Voters will receive two national ballots, rather than one, because of changes to the electoral system which now allow independent candidates to contest national and provincial elections.
Despite these challenges, Atkins said there is a number of proactive steps that could be taken by political parties, the media and civil society organisations to help protect the sanctity of elections in South Africa.
Highlighting that the IEC has managed difficult elections in the past, Atkins said the commission remains a competent, well-run organisation.
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