IEC in talks with Eskom to avoid load shedding impacting electoral process

JOHANNESBURG - The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it is in talks with Eskom over a load shedding contingency plan on election day.

The commission expressed its concern that prolonged electricity outages could hamper its ability to deliver free and fair elections.

The IEC on Tuesday hosted a signing ceremony of the Electoral Code of Conduct for the 52 political parties and five independent candidates that will be contesting in Gauteng.

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Provincial electoral officer Thabo Disene said the IEC had concluded all lease agreements with the landlords of 2,796 voting stations in Gauteng.

“The IEC has been interacting with Eskom in order to anticipate the impact of load shedding on the electoral process. A key consideration in this regard is the availability of emergency lighting to support voting and counting processes beyond dusk.”