IEC says official date of local govt elections would make its preparations easier

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says an early announcement of the official date for the local government elections would make its preparations for the highly anticipated polls much easier. 

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has yet to confirm the date for the municipal elections. 

The elections must, however, take place between 1 November and 1 February. 

IEC Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said the sooner the date is announced, the better.

ALSO READ: IEC announces voter registration weekend dates for local govt elections

"The commission’s position is that an early announcement of an election date is critical to allow South Africans to decide where they will be on voting day, as this determines directly where they are required to register."

Mamabolo expanded further on the importance of an early announcement of the official date for the municipal elections. 

"For instance, a student studying in one province but ordinarily residing in another must know whether they will be on campus or at home when the country votes. That clarity ensures they register correctly and avoids unnecessary administrative complications closer to election day."