The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced its state of readiness for this month’s upcoming national and provincial elections.
The electoral body stated that Friday, May 17, is earmarked as a milestone in the Elections Timetable. It will be the first day of voting in the 2024 general elections. South African citizens living in other countries will cast their first ballots on the day.
The commission explained that South African citizens in nine foreign countries will cast their ballots this week. Voters in the other 102 countries will cast their ballots on Saturday, May 18. Given the high numbers of expected voters in London at 24,194, the polling station will operate on both May 18 and 19.
Total expected to vote outside SA is 76,580
The IEC confirmed that the international segment of the voter roll for out-of-country voters has 56,698 voters. But the total expected to vote is 76,580.
“This comes after the approval of 20,886 VEC10 notifications from voters who informed the Chief Electoral Officer of their intention to vote outside the country. This was due to temporary absence,” read the statement.
The commission declared its readiness to make sure that voting goes smoothly in 111 foreign missions around the world. It also stated that all the missions have received the election materials.
The commission stated that the voting stations will be open from 7am to 7pm. This will allow 76,580 voters to vote in South Africa’s 2024 general elections on both voting days. It vowed to keep extended hours to assist voters with any inquiries.
The commission further explained that special votes will take place between May 27 and 28.
It explained that voters will receive three ballot papers. This will include the national compensatory ballot for political parties. The provincial and regional ballots for parties and independent candidates will also be made available.
Lease agreements for 23,303 permanent voting stations have been signed and concluded, it said.
Voting stations secured
“Of these, 62% are schools, 9.7% are places of worship and the balance of
28% include all other categories, such as community halls and other municipal
facilities,” the commission explained.
The commission added that they are in the final stages of training 202,500 voting officials. They will discharge the responsibility of administering the electoral process in the voting stations.
As part of the final preparations, the IEC is said to launch the National Results
Centre (ROC) on May 22. The centre will be based at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.
Voters are reassured that measures are in place for voters with disabilities. Furthermore, the commission pleaded that voters go and vote where they have registered.
