IEC

18 March 2024

Deepfakes a worrying trend in the run-up to elections

Location: News

More than four billion people (https://apo-opa.co/4aerFVs) worldwide will take part in elections this year, including in the US, UK, India, and South Africa. However, the increasing prevalence of disinformation, fuelled by the growing use of deepfakes and generative AI, means that politicians and voters alike will need to be on high alert.

In the 2024 Global Risks Report (https://apo-opa.co/3wRJRWs), the World Economic Forum identified AI-generated misinformation and disinformation as the second most significant global risk after extreme weather. This concern is well-founded, especially with the rapid rise of tools like generative AI empowered deepfakes, posing a threat to the integrity of democratic processes. Deepfakes, which are highly realistic fabricated videos or images, can deceive voters, manipulate public opinion, and tarnish the reputation of political parties and politicians.

Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA, a cybersecurity training organisation, says there has been a vast improvement in the quality of deepfakes over the past year, making them more convincing and difficult to identify. In a notable incident from October last year, cybercriminals used deepfake videos (https://apo-opa.co/4aewZYY) to impersonate African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat during online conversations with European diplomats. Similarly, in December, Facebook removed over 100 deepfake paid advertisements (https://apo-opa.co/3TBfnkt) featuring British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after nearly half a million people viewed them.

“Deepfakes pose major risks in the run-up to elections, both in the UK and South Africa,” says Collard. “Voters need to be aware of this risk and be proactive about mitigating their impact.”

Be aware of deepfakes

According to Collard, the initial step in combating the impact of misinformation and disinformation through deepfakes is raising awareness. “It's crucial for the public to be aware of the existence of this phenomenon,” she emphasises, adding, “The production of deepfake videos and images is cheap and easy.”

CounterCloud, a research project to showcase how easy it is to create fully automated (https://apo-opa.co/3wSNhZ0) disinformation campaigns, operated with a modest budget of only $400. Its goal was to counter negative depictions of the US propagated by Russian media. “If you're a politician, expect deepfakes impersonating you to appear in order to sway public opinion,” she asserts. “Similarly, voters should not believe everything they see or hear on social media to be true.”

Verify information

Apart from raising awareness, another crucial principle is to verify information. “If a politician purportedly said something that's deeply polarising, it's important to verify whether they genuinely said it.” To counter the risk of deepfakes, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), in collaboration with Media Monitoring Africa, has launched an initiative called Padre (https://apo-opa.co/3THIwux). This initiative allows voters to fact-check information regarding South African political parties and their recent statements.

Google's reverse-image search (https://images.Google.com/) is another helpful tool that enables you to check if an online image has been used elsewhere. Additionally, FotoForensics (https://FotoForensics.com/) provides a more in-depth analysis of images. However, despite these tools, verifying information remains challenging. “Deepfakes are becoming more convincing, making verifying information even harder,” states Collard.

Don't over-react

Lastly, when faced with inflammatory content, Collard stresses the importance of voters not overreacting. “Scammers want to whip up your emotions and get you in a state where you're unable to think rationally,” she says. “Stay calm and don't share content that is overly emotive. Whenever your emotions are triggered, slow down and verify, -it could be a hoax.”

Collard believes that it is every voter's responsibility to educate themselves about the dangers of deepfakes. “AI-generated fake content has huge implications for society, especially during election periods,” she says. “To combat this form of disinformation and safeguard the democratic process, social media platforms, political parties and independent watchdogs as well as us the public will all need to work together.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

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13 March 2024

Parliamentary Committee welcomes IEC’s swift action in leaked candidate lists matter

Location: News

Parliamentary Committee welcomes IEC’s swift action in leaked candidate lists matter

The chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Mosa Chabane, has welcomed the swift action by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in investigating the leaking of candidate lists.

The implicated staff member has since been fired.

READ | Electoral Commission terminates employment of employee

Chabane stressed that the integrity of the electoral process must be protected, and that the swift investigation and decision to terminate the employee’s contract demonstrates the integrity of the institution.

“We remain of the view that the IEC is a credible institution to run a free and fair process and that anything that endangers this process will be quickly investigated and concomitant action taken,” Chabane said.

Beyond contravening the Protection of Personal Information Act, the unauthorised circulation of the lists undermined the clearly set out election timetable and processes of the 2024 provincial and national elections.

Meanwhile, the chairperson has called on the IEC to strengthen its internal controls and to imprint on its staff members the need to conduct themselves ethically to protect the institution’s integrity.

Despite the leak, Chabane said the IEC’s processes remain credible and that it has a proven track record of delivering on its mandate and promoting South Africa’s democratic order.

The committee will receive an update on the investigation that is still ongoing and the processes in place for the elections. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 03/13/2024 - 11:10

437 views

12 March 2024

South Africa: National Assembly Passes the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The National Assembly (NA) today, during its hybrid plenary, passed the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill.

The Bill seeks to amend the Political Party Funding Act of 2018. Among its key objectives is to align various pieces of legislation with the Electoral Amendment Act of 2023, which enables independent candidates to contest elections for seats in the National Assembly and provincial legislatures.

The Bill further seeks to regulate the private and public funding of independent candidates and independent representatives.

Additionally, the Bill provides for the inclusion of independent representatives who may receive funds from the Multi-Party Democracy Fund (MPDF). The fund aims to raise and distribute donated funds from the private sector to represented political parties. Administered by the IEC, the MPDF will now include independent candidates.

The Bill prevents the Electoral Commission from accepting donations for the MPDF if there is reason to believe it is the proceeds of crime. The Commission can also suspend the payment of money to a represented political party, independent political party, or independent representative if it is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the represented political party or independent representative has failed to comply with the Act.

According to the Bill, a political party, independent representative, or independent candidate must disclose all donations they received to the Commission. A juristic person or entity that donates to a political party, independent representative or independent candidate above the threshold prescribed must disclose this to the Commission.

The Bill also makes it an offence – punishable with a fine, imprisonment or both – where donations are made to gain political influence and favour. It makes it an offence to donate to a political party, a member of a political party, an independent candidate, or an independent representative in the expectation that the party, member, representative or candidate concerned will influence the awarding of a tender, licence, approval, consent or permission, or the relaxation of a condition or restriction, the provision states.

The National Assembly passed the Bill with 240 votes to 90.

The Bill will now be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

12 March 2024

Over 27.79 million voters eligible to cast their votes in 2024 Elections

Location: News

Over 27.79 million voters eligible to cast their votes in 2024 Elections

The Independent Electoral Commission says over 27.79 million voters - the highest since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, are eligible to cast their votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

According to the Commission, the voters’ roll will be certified by the Chief Electoral Officer today.

Briefing media in Pretoria on Monday, Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the voters' roll will be published by making it available at the Commission’s head office, each of the nine provincial offices of the Commission and at each municipal office of the Commission.

“The certification follows the finalisation of objections by the Commission on the provisional voters’ roll that was published for inspection on 26 February 2024. Certification signals confirmation of those citizens who are eligible to vote in the elections,” he said.

Mamabolo said the electronic copies of the voters’ roll, which contain the redacted identity numbers of voters, in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act will be provided to all political parties and independent candidates who have qualified to contest the elections.

“Since the voters’ roll was compiled for the first time ahead of the 1999 National and Provincial Elections, it has shown steady growth of over 35% and contains the highest number of registered voters, recording an increase of 9.6 million voters since the 1999 general elections.

“The provincial breakdown of the registered voters indicate that Gauteng remains the biggest voting block, followed by the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, respectively.

“The highlight of the certified roll is the increase in the rate of representation by persons in the age cohort 18 - 39 years. This age band accounts for 42% (or 11. 7 million) voters on the voters’ roll,” he said.

Mamabolo said of the 27.79 million voters, 15 million are female, representing over 55%.

“The introduction of the online self-service voter registration modality has contributed to the increased rate of registration by younger voters in the country, as well as by citizens who are resident outside of the Republic,” he said.

Mamabolo said compliance verification of the candidate nomination submissions is under way.

“In terms of the law, a party submission must contain a list of candidates accompanied by payment of the applicable deposit for it to be compliant. In respect of unrepresented parties, the submission must in addition, be accompanied by proof that the requisite number of signatures have been uploaded on the nomination portal,” he said.

According to Mamabolo, the requirements for independent candidates are that a prescribed nomination form must be submitted by the cut-off time, accompanied by the prescribed form confirming that the candidate has submitted the requisite number of signatures and payment of the relevant deposit.

“Failure by a party or independent candidate to comply with any of these foundation nomination requirements cannot be remedied and will result in the disqualification of the party or independent candidate,” he said.

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 29 May for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

The President Ramaphosa has, in line with section 17(2) of the Electoral act 73 of 1998, consulted with the Electoral Commission on the election date.

READ | Cabinet welcomes 29 May as date for General Elections

The announcement of the Election Date comes after the successful voter registration campaign, which included two general registration weekends, an overseas voter registration drive, campus activations and registration within Correctional Services centres.

READ | IEC campaign to help youth participate in democracy

The 2024 Elections coincide with South Africa's celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

President Ramaphosa has called on all eligible voters to fully participate in this important and historic milestone of the democratic calendar. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 03/12/2024 - 10:04

431 views

11 March 2024

PSC calls on public servants to vote

Location: News

PSC calls on public servants to vote

The Public Service Commission has called on all eligible South Africans to cast their votes in the upcoming National and Provincial Elections.

“The employees of the public service are to lead by example and are encouraged to take responsibility to educate societies we live in regarding the significance of voting,” said Public Service Commission Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya.

Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday, Gxoyiya said it was advisable that every eligible citizen use this democratic opportunity in having their say on how this country should be taken forward.

“If we want to see change, this is the opportunity now to influence that change,” Gxoyiya said.

Gxoyiya said the call is extended to the youth of this country because they represent the future leaders. “They must participate in the decision of who becomes the leaders of our democratic dispensation,” he said.

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 29 May for 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

The announcement of the Election Date followed a successful voter registration campaign, which included two general registration weekends, an overseas voter registration drive, campus activations and registration within Correctional Services centres.

The 2024 Elections coincide with South Africa's celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

President Ramaphosa has called on all eligible voters to fully participate in this important and historic milestone of South Africa’s democratic calendar.

According to the IEC, more than 27 million South Africans are registered to vote and 14 million others remain unregistered but are eligible to do so.

Unregistered voters and those who need to update their address details can visit their local municipality office, the Electoral Commission or go to the online voter registration portal, registertovote.elections.org.za or reach the chat bot on 0600 88 00 00 WhatsApp line. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:09

438 views

6 March 2024

Special votes: all you need to know

Location: News

Special votes: all you need to know

With the General Elections coming up on Wednesday, 29 May 2024, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has detailed how the electorate can apply for special votes.

A special vote allows a registered voter, who can't vote at their voting station on Election Day, to apply to vote on a predetermined day before Election Day.

To qualify for a special vote, you must be unable to visit your local voting station on voting day because you are pregnant, infirm or have another disability that prevents you from visiting a voting station on Election Day.

You may also be eligible for a special vote if for other reasons, such as work.

Special votes can either be cast at home (where IEC officials visit you at your residence) or at a voting station.

Special votes and home visits for this year's general elections will take place on 27 and 28 May. The IEC says the closing date to apply for special votes is 3 May.

How to apply

To begin the online application for a special vote, visit the IEC website on https://www.elections.org.za/. Then navigate to the “Voters” tab and under the tab, click on “Apply for a special vote” in the middle column.

You can apply if you:

Are a registered voter.
Have a valid South African identity document (green, barcoded ID book; smartcard ID or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate).

To check that you're registered and to find out where you're registered, you can:

Check your voter registration status.SMS your ID number to 32810, or
Call the IEC's contact centre on 012 622 5700.

By law, you can apply for a special vote if you:

Can’t travel to your voting station because you are physically infirm, disabled or pregnant, or
Can’t vote at your voting station on Election Day.

How to apply for a special vote at your voting station

If you can’t vote at your voting station on Election Day, you can apply to cast a special vote at your voting station on the predetermined date only, as per the election timetable, in one of the following ways:

Using the IEC's secured online application form.
By SMSing your identity number to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS). (For special vote at a voting station only.)
By visiting your local IEC office (not the national or provincial offices) and submitting a MEC 35 form. Forms can only be hand-delivered (no emails or faxes accepted), but someone else can deliver your completed form on your behalf.

Make an appointment at your local IEC office

If you can’t apply for a special vote online, you can do it in person at your local IEC office. If you want to apply for a special vote at your home, you can send a relative or spouse to apply on your behalf.

You first need to make an appointment. You can do that by calling your local IEC office.

After you have made an appointment, you can visit your local IEC office during the operating hours of Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

A the local IEC office, you will need to present the MEC 35 form. You can download the form online or you can request this form at the IEC office.

How to check special vote application status

After you’ve submitted your special vote application, you can review the status of your application online via SMS or by calling the IEC call centre.

Check special vote application status online

Visit the IECs website. On the home page, click the “I want to” Tab and then click “Check the status of special vote application”.

From there, you will be directed to the special vote status check. You will need to select the election you’re applying for and enter your ID number.

You will then be redirected to a page that will display the status of your special vote application.

Check special vote application status via IEC

You can also call the IEC call centre on 0800 11 8000 and follow the prompts to get information about your special vote application status. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 03/06/2024 - 13:51

301 views

4 March 2024

Celebrating 30 years of human rights

Location: News

Celebrating 30 years of human rights

The year 2024 coincides with several historic milestones in the nation’s fight for fundamental human rights and freedoms, says Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa.

“South Africans from all walks of life will be participating in the seventh National Elections since the dawn of democracy and the country, in April, will be celebrating 30 years of democracy in South Africa,” the Minister said on Monday in Pretoria.

He was addressing the launch of Human Rights Month, which is taking place under the theme: “Three Decades of Respect For and Promotion of Human Rights.”

Human Rights Month is observed to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy.

“Overall, Human Rights Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to uphold and protect human rights for all individuals worldwide. It encourages reflection, action, and solidarity in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

“From 1994 to date, South Africa underwent a radical transition from the oppressive apartheid regime, with its system founded on parliamentary sovereignty, to a constitutional democracy committed to the creation of a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” the Minister said.

Outlining the programme for Human Rights Month, he said the commemoration of the National Human Rights Day is planned for 21 March 2024 at the George Thabe Stadium, in Sharpeville.

“The hosting of the event in Sharpeville symbolises government’s commitment to honour sacrifices made by those who fought and died for our liberation in Sharpeville and other townships across the land. It makes sense that we take the commemoration of the day to the place where it originated.

“On 21 March, the national Human Rights Day is commemorated to honour the Sharpeville massacre of 1960 where peaceful protestors marched against discriminatory pass laws and were fatally shot by police. The Sharpeville massacre stands as a potent symbol of the brutal realities of apartheid.

“Sharpeville's historical significance extended beyond its national borders, receiving global attention, which culminated in the United Nations (UN) Security Council passing a resolution condemning the killings and calling for the South African government to abandon its policy of apartheid and the UN General Assembly declaring apartheid as a violation of the UN Charter,” the Minister said.

Six years after the massacre, the UN declared March 21 to be the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

“The Sharpeville massacre galvanised the anti-apartheid movement both within South Africa and internationally. It energized resistance efforts and led to increased solidarity among activists and organizations working towards the dismantling of apartheid.

“The massacre served as a catalyst for global awareness of the oppressive nature of apartheid and prompted increased international pressure on the South African government. Over the following decades, the anti-apartheid movement gained momentum, ultimately contributing to the dismantling of apartheid in the early 1990s.”

Activities

The Minister called on all South Africans to participate in the activities planned for Human Rights Month.

“This year’s National Human Rights Day will be preceded by an International National Human Rights Conference, bringing together key stakeholders from across the globe as well as other government departments, to assess progress on the advancement of human rights since 1994.

“The Conference will be hosted by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development from the 18th to 20th of March 2024 and is premised on the department’s core mandate to uphold and administer the Constitution, deepening constitutional democracy, and promoting the values of human dignity, equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms,” the Minister said.

Through this Conference, South Africa will conduct critical assessment of its state of human rights almost three decades into its constitutional democracy.

“There will be other activations across the country, amongst others, the Social Cohesion Dialogue to be hosted by the Eastern Cape province in Gqeberha on the 20th of March.

“Panellists in this programme include leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to building bridges across diverse communities. Amongst them will be Dr Brigalia Bam, former Chairperson of IEC and Dr Bonisile John Kani and Ms Rochelle de Kock from [the] Herald Newspaper,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 12:12

261 views

3 March 2024

IEC campaign to help youth participate in democracy

Location: News

IEC campaign to help youth participate in democracy

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) will on Tuesday launch its annual national Civic and Democracy Education Tertiary Institutions campaign to improve the youth’s understanding of and participation in the country's democratic processes.

The launch will take place at Mopani Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Limpopo.

The campaign aims to engage the youth of South Africa in democracy education and encourage participation in electoral processes. The event will expose over 3 000 young people Phalaborwa and the surrounds to various electoral processes.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, will deliver the keynote address. Also in attendance will be IEC chairperson, Mosotho Moepya; Commissioner Judge Dhaya Pillay; Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo and Dr Levy Baloyi, the principal of Mopani TVET College.

READ | Cabinet welcomes 29 May as date for General Elections

In the 2021 Municipal Elections, 71% of registered youth aged 18 - 19 turned up to vote, while only 35% of youth aged 20 - 29 voted. However, less than 10% of eligible voters aged 18 - 29 were registered to vote in the elections.

It is against this backdrop that in the run-up to the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, the Electoral Commission heightens efforts to empower youth to participate meaningfully in democratic and electoral processes.

The campaign will be rolled out to nearly 100 tertiary institution campuses countrywide until September 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 03/03/2024 - 12:38

245 views

27 February 2024

Mashatile urges parties to hold back on distasteful social media debates ahead of elections

Location: News

Mashatile urges parties to hold back on distasteful social media debates ahead of elections

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged political parties that hold robust debates on social media to uphold ethical standards and refrain from unjust, deceptive or hateful speech, as many African countries head to the polls this year.

“We can run campaigns on social media without being malicious or degrading of both individuals and organisations,” he said on Tuesday.

The Deputy President was delivering a keynote address at the launch of the 'Principles and guidelines for the use of digital and social media in African elections' in Johannesburg.

“The reality is that the political environment during elections is tense and volatile, and we should use social media with responsibility to ensure that the content we share is credible and accurate.”

The new guidelines seek to create awareness among election management bodies (EMBs) on the benefits and threats of digital and social media to the electoral process and integrity.

They are a comprehensive framework for the continental EMBs adopted in Benin during the 11th General Assembly meeting of the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) last year.

The principles cover various areas - from the promotion of freedom of speech, access to information, protecting the rights to privacy and the role of the State, political parties, candidates and media.

For instance, one of the guidelines stipulates that political parties and candidates should ensure that campaigns conducted on digital and social media are transparent and attributed, including the use of paid-for-content and influencers.

The Deputy President has described these principles and guidelines as groundbreaking for Africa, spearheaded by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) on behalf of AAEA, as groundbreaking for Africa.

The launch coincides with heightened election activity around the continent, with over 20 African Union Member States, including South Africa, preparing for elections.

This, Mashatile said, provides an opportunity for fine-tuning the regulatory and operational protocols for the use of social media during these elections.

“We will, therefore, continue to uphold the right to free and fair elections in this election and thereafter, as we have done since 1994,” he vowed.

In the fast-paced digital world of today, he said it was important to recognise the important role that social media plays in shaping people's opinions and establishing the narratives propelled during elections.

“As we witness the increasing use of these platforms in political campaigns, it is imperative that we establish clear principles and guidelines to ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive electoral process,” the Deputy President said.

Youth

He is of the view that social media platforms must be used constructively to inform and disseminate positive messages regarding elections, with a particular focus on the youth of Africa.

The youth, Mashatile said, are gaining significant grip on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

“We should, therefore, use these principles and guidelines to emphasise the importance of promoting online integrity, safeguarding against misinformation and disinformation, protecting privacy and data security, and fostering a level playing field for all candidates and political parties.”

Misinformation

Through adherence to these principles, Mashatile believes that countries will be able to safeguard the values of democracy through free and fair elections, and allow voters to make choices.

“We have a significant obligation to educate our population about the risks associated with disseminating misinformation, particularly concerning elections, since false claims can erode trust in the electoral process and provoke a wave of anti-voters and instability in our countries,” he said.

The Deputy President has described the misinformation and disinformation are a threat to democracy.

“They undermine confidence in our elections, and have the potential to suppress voter turnout.”

The Deputy President also took the time to express his gratitude to the agencies and digital companies for walking this journey with the African EMBs, offering them technical expertise, and building their capacities.

IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya told the delegates that the internet is here to stay and that it should be used for the common good.

“We’re working with those who own social media, authorities and EMBs, and we’re trying to find a way in which we can use social media to help us in the work that we do; and at the same time, to limit the damage it can do when it is abused.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 13:12

333 views

25 February 2024

Election Day officially gazetted

Location: News

Election Day officially gazetted

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially proclaimed and gazetted the 29th of May as Election Day in South Africa.

“This follows consultation by the President with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The proclamation on the election date has been published in the Government Gazette of Friday, 23 February 2024,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The President has also proclaimed the day of the election, 29 May 2024, as a public holiday throughout the Republic.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (IEC) is expected to hold a media briefing on Monday on the state of readiness for the 2024 general elections.

“During the briefing, the commission will unpack key aspects of the elections timetable, which will include the certification of the voters’ roll, the publication of voting station details, submission of candidate nominations, notices to vote outside of the country, applications for special votes, and other election-related matters,” the electoral body said.

Meanwhile ahead of the close of the voters’ roll on Friday, the IEC reminded eligible voters of the general rule of elections.

“That is, a person must register where they live, and vote at the voting station where they are registered.

“The only exception to the rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration after notifying the Electoral Commission by a date set in the Election Timetable, which is to be announced shortly,” the IEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 02/25/2024 - 09:22

144 views

23 February 2024

Last chance to register to vote

Location: News

Last chance to register to vote

South Africans who are eligible to vote have just a few hours left to register or update their information before the voter’s roll closes.

Voter registration for the 2024 General Elections will close at midnight, which is the day of proclamation of the General Election 2024.

The President and the Provincial Premiers will proclaim Election Day, 29 May 2024, during the course of today.

“The 2024 general elections are historic in that they mark the 30th year of electoral democracy. We do not wish for any eligible citizen to miss out on this historic democratic process," said Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo.

The online voter registration portal, registertovote.elections.org.za, is functional and has proven to be the most effective method, allowing everyone to update their details from the comfort of their own homes, work places and communities.

Citizens have until midnight to use the platform for voter registration and update their particulars. Citizens out of country can also use the same voter registration platform until midnight.

Citizens may also visit IEC offices in the all municipalities to register to vote. The offices will remain operational until 16:00.

Voters can also reach out to the Chat-bot on the 0600 88 00 00 WhatsApp line or call 0800118000.

Mamabolo assured South Africans that the Electoral Commission staff members are hand to assist voters at IEC offices in various municipalities during these last few hours.

The Electoral Commission reminded eligible voters of the general rule in elections. A person must register where they live, and vote at the voting station where they are registered.

The only exception to the rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration after notifying the Electoral Commission by a date set in the Election Timetable. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 02/23/2024 - 09:03

3432 views

21 February 2024

IEC welcomes announcement of 2024 Election Date

Location: News

IEC welcomes announcement of 2024 Election Date

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has welcomed the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa setting the 2024 National and Provincial Elections date for 29 May.

The President has, in line with section 17(2) of the Electoral act 73 of 1998, consulted with the IEC on the election date.

“This pronouncement of the Election Date provides an unambiguous motivation for the Commission to pull out all the stops in the intensification of preparations for Election Day. The Electoral Commission reiterates its commitment and readiness to ensure a successful 2024 general elections,” the Commission said in a statement.

Furthermore, the President convened a meeting with all nine provincial Premiers and the IEC to discuss the state of readiness for the General Elections.

“It creates certainty for us. It creates certainty for those who want to participate as contestants, be they on party lists or as independent candidates,” said IEC Deputy CEO, Masego Shiburi.

Shiburi said the President announced the date in consultation with the Commission, as that is the statute requirement.

“With each election, the number of competing parties increase. For these elections, we will also have independent candidates and their numbers are still indeterminate because candidate nomination is yet to open.

“Once we finalise candidate nomination, we will be able to print ballots and make them available in our missions to those who will be voting abroad but mostly importantly, to those who will be voting in the country,” Shiburi said.

The 2024 Elections coincide with South Africa's celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

President Ramaphosa has called on all eligible voters to fully participate in this important and historic milestone of the democratic calendar.

“Beyond the fulfilment of our constitutional obligation, these upcoming elections are also a celebration of our democratic journey and a determination of the future that we all desire.

“I call on all South Africans to exercise their democratic right to vote and for those who will be campaigning to do so peacefully, within the full observance of the law. We also urge unregistered voters to use the online registration platform to register,” President Ramaphosa said.

According to the IEC, more than 27 million South Africans are registered to vote and 14 million others remain unregistered but are eligible to do so.

The Electoral Commission has reminded South Africans that while the Election Date has been set and announced, eligible voters have until Friday, 23 February 2024 to register. The latter date is the anticipated day of the proclamation of the Election Date.

Election Timetable

Following the proclamation of the Election Date, the Electoral Commission will publish the Election Timetable in the Government Gazette after consultation with the National Party Liaison Committee.

The Election Timetable will outline the various cut-off dates for the performance of certain electoral activities. The timetable will include the following:

- Certification of the voters’ roll.

- Publication of details of voting stations.

- Submission of candidates nomination.

- Submission of notice to vote outside of the country.

- Applications for special votes .

Meanwhile, the Commission has reminded eligible voters of the general rule in elections. That is, a person must register where they live and vote at the voting station where they are registered.

“The only exception to the rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration upon notifying the Electoral Commission by a date to be regulated by the Election Timetable,” the Commission said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 11:14

219 views

20 February 2024

All of South Africa’s 368 National Political Parties Registered for the 2024 Elections

Location: News

You may be excused for having a ‘Zuma Counting Moment’ as you did read right – the 2024 South African National Elections on 29 May 2024 will feature 368 different political parties competing for your vote. Now some will tell you that that is too many, some will tell you that that is a sign …