DA's bid for IEC to open more voting stations abroad to be heard in Electoral Court

JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA)'s bid to get the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to open more voting stations abroad will be heard in the Electoral Court on Tuesday morning.

The party wants South Africans living overseas to be able to vote at any embassy or consulate in the upcoming election.

According to the IEC, over 18,000 South Africans living in other countries are registered to vote.

The DA is relying on Section 33 of the Electoral Act and Regulation 10 of the Election Regulations to argue the IEC’s decision that eligible voters can only vote at certain consulates is unlawful.

ALSO READ: Further challenges to electoral laws will impact poll preparations - IEC

The party wants the Electoral Court to direct the IEC to ensure that eligible voters can cast special votes at any consulate, including those headed by honorary consular officers.

In its papers, the party also addresses the practicality of its request, saying the IEC must employ more staff to facilitate the voting.

The DA also said the commission must ensure adequate security measures and equipment for the integrity of special voting.

Special voting for South African voters abroad will take place either on 17 or 18 May, depending on the host country’s dominant religious and cultural practices.