Voting day declared: 29 May 2024! 'We've been preparing for a May election so it's great news' - IEC
While voting day has been announced for South Africa, registration remains open until the date is physically gazetted.
Picture: Instagram/iecsouthafrica
What constitutes a free and fair election?
Lester Kiewit speaks to Michael Hendrickse - the IEC’s Provincial Electoral Officer in the Western Cape.
On Tuesday (20 February) President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that voting day for South Africans will be on 29 May 2024.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ANNOUNCES 2024 GENERAL ELECTION DATE
— #SONA2024 | Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) February 20, 2024
President @CyrilRamaphosa has in accordance with section 49(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, read with section 17 of the Electoral act of 1998, determined 29 May 2024, as the date for the 2024…
Is the IEC prepared for the elections?
"We've been preparing for a May election so it's great news. It's always great to conduct free and fair voting in celebration of South Africa's democracy."
Michael Hendrickse, Head of IEC - Western Cape
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While the election date has been announced, registration remains open UNTIL parliament gazettes the date in print.
"We think that the date will be gazetted later this week so you still have time to register if you have not already. You will be disenfranchising yourself by not registering."
Michael Hendrickse, Head of IEC - Western Cape
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A safe and fair election is priority...
To ensure safe and fair elections, Hendrickse says that the IEC has been credited internationally for safe and fair processes like counting votes at the site of the vote so nothing is lost in transit among other processes implemented on the day to preserve the integrity of the IEC.
The IEC is "completely transparent in their processes" says Hendrickse
Should members of the public or any political leader have an issue with the way the IEC conducts anything, they are welcome to take the IEC to Electoral Court, says Hendrickse.
"In South Africa, institutional trust levels has dropped while the IEC is an independent council, it is often confused with the same institutions that people don't trust and classed in this system but you are welcome to challenge the IEC at the Electoral Court and let judges decide before making claims against us without factual evidence."
Michael Hendrickse Head of IEC - Western Cape
Overall, the IEC encourages everyone to exercise their democratic right and vote on 29 May.
"Everyone has one vote and it is of equal value. Every vote counts - saint or sinner."
Michael Hendrickse, Head of IEC - Western Cape
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