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Process to finalise Elections 2024 voting station results underway

Location: News

Process to finalise Elections 2024 voting station results underway

With vote counting having been concluded in the National and Provincial Elections 2024 (NPE2024), each voting station is now expected to embark on a process to finalise its results.

This according to Electoral Commission (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sy Mamabolo, who was briefing the media at the IEC National Results Operations Centre in Midrand on Thursday afternoon.

He explained that the process is now expected to unfold as follows:

  • Once the results have been counted and finalised, the presiding officer and party agents will, in the presence of observers, sign the result slip which will then be placed in a tamper-evident bag and transported to the capture centre.
  • At the results capture centre, a check and balance process will ensue. This includes checking that the result slip is on the correct form, has details of the voting station and those of the presiding officer as well as a voting station unique barcode. It is then captured onto the system using the double blind method.
  • Using the barcode, the results slip is then scanned and the results are electronically matched with the appropriate voting district.
  • External auditors will then audit the results slip to ensure that it is captured correctly.
  • The results are then taken through the Commission's exception parameters. If an exception is flagged, the results are investigated and taken through the recapture process.
  • Once the results pass the test, it will then become final and available to political parties, independent candidates and the media.

 

WATCH | IEC media briefing 

 

“Once all the results are finalised, the Commission will undertake the seat calculation process, based on a prescribed formula. The full list of the new public representatives will be handed over to the Chief Justice once seat assignment is completed.

“While this process is proceeding well, it is important to reflect that historically, in the first 24 hours, 80% of the results would have been finalised. However, the process in the NPE2024 has been slowed down by the third ballot, particularly in the metropolitan areas,” he said.

READ | Vote counting now concluded

The CEO emphasised that the commission has at least a week to announce the results.

“We have always been able to declare and announce the results well within this period and will endeavour to do so with these elections,” Mamabolo concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 17:03

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Read moreProcess to finalise Elections 2024 voting station results underway

Government thanks voters

Location: News

Government thanks voters

Government has thanked the millions of South Africans who successfully went out in their numbers to make their voices heard in the seventh democratic elections by casting their votes.

“Particularly noteworthy is how first-time voters clearly came out in their numbers to affirm their right to vote and in so doing their commitment to a democratic and free country, a country which knows its freedom came at a high price,” Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, said on Thursday.

South Africans went to the polls on Wednesday in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

These elections coincide with the country’s celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

“The youth of South Africa have confirmed their commitment to shaping our nation’s future in this election and their engagement in the electoral process is a testament to their adherence to constitutional values. We salute you all,” Mnukwa said.

The GCIS said the unwavering commitment, dedication and professionalism of various stakeholders and role players was instrumental in ensuring that the country held successful elections. 

“The conduct of the electorate during this process has been exemplary as a testament to the founding principles of the country’s democracy and is a reflection of a nation hallmarked and acknowledged globally by a regular, credible electoral process since 1994.

“This active participation of citizens is indeed a cornerstone of our democratic process and will go a long way in building a vibrant and representative nation,” the GCIS said.

Law enforcement agencies working through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) were crucial in ensuring safe and peaceful elections.

“This ensured that all citizens exercise their democratic right to campaign and cast their vote freely and without fear. The security measures, most notably in identified hotspot areas, contributed to elections that were peaceful and safe.  Where incidents were reported, these were swiftly addressed not only by law enforcement and officials of the Electoral Commission (IEC).”

The voting process by the IEC across all correctional facilities concluded without significant issues.

“This is an important milestone for a democratic country, ensuring that eligible voters, including the incarcerated, participate in the electoral process. The synergy amongst correctional officials in preparing inmates and ushering them to the voting stations made it possible for the IEC to guarantee a seamless and secure voting experience for inmates.

“The Department of Home Affairs also ensured that all South Africans had identification documents for the purpose of casting their votes with extended operating hours and issuing of temporary ID documents to enable the public to have the necessary documents that enabled them to vote.

 “Since the dawn of democracy, South Africa’s general elections have been viewed as free and fair by both domestic and international observers, and this serves as encouragement for the country to continue to uphold the integrity of the electoral processes,” GCIS said.

Government acknowledged the invaluable contributions of community leaders, elections officials, volunteers, and all who played various roles in facilitating successful elections. 

“Working together, the teams were instrumental in ensuring voter education and accessibility for all eligible voters. All sectors of society are commended for making it possible for the elections to be held in such a peaceful, nonviolent, and safe manner,” GCIS said.

The election was also marked by a record number of political parties as well as independent candidates for the first time, which is a reflection of South Africa’s maturing multiparty democracy.

The cooperation by all political parties is a demonstration of the collective spirit of ensuring that all citizens exercise their democratic right to vote.

“The role of the various communication channels and platforms, as well as national and international media in ensuring comprehensive coverage of our elections confirms the crucial role of media in strengthening democracy and civic education. Throughout this elections period, the media played a critical role in reflecting on our advances, challenges and our developmental journey since 1994,” GCIS said.

Government has thanked the various partners from state entities but also various agencies, civil society and the non-government sector, as well as the media, who played an assertive role during the elections period, to curb disinformation and misinformation thus contributing to the integrity of information circulated during the electoral process.

Vote counting and establishing a new administration

 “As the counting process unfolds, the public is urged to refrain from sharing information in the form of pictures and videos that seek to declare elections results or incite violence pertaining to elections results. Elections results will be announced officially by the IEC as the body that is legally mandated to announce elections results,” Mnukwa said.

Government has reiterated that there will be no vacuum as South Africa journey’s to the establishment of the seventh democratic administration and whilst the country awaits the outcomes of the elections.

Government will continue to execute its Constitutional mandate of providing services to all South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 12:27

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Read moreGovernment thanks voters

Citizens make their mark in 2024 Elections

Location: News

Citizens make their mark in 2024 Elections

Voting stations have now officially closed and Election Day 2024 in South Africa has drawn to a close.

Citizens who were still in line at 9pm will be served by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), and will still be allowed to make their mark.

In some areas – particularly metropolitan hubs – long, snaking queues of voters could be seen, with millions of South Africans making their way to voting stations to exercise their hard won right to vote.

In a media briefing on Wednesday evening, Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo, said the commission had put in place plans to service those areas with more speed.

“Part of the measures that we implemented…was to call on the counting officers, who were due to join later. But we called them earlier to assist with dealing with the queues,” Mamabolo said.

He explained the process that will now unfold as counting commences.

“Ballots are counted at the voting station where they are cast. Party agents and independent candidate agents and observers will monitor the entire counting process as well as the results compilation.

“Sealed ballot boxes will be opened and emptied in front of everybody at the voting station, and each ballot is then unfolded face down and checked for the Electoral Commission’s security stamp. All valid ballot papers are grouped according to their colours representing the different tiers of the election.

“The ballots will then be sorted into piles according to votes for each party or candidate. They will [then] be packed into bundles of 100 until a count is confirmed in respect of a party or candidates. Then results slips are completed by the Presiding Officer and party agents as well as agents representing independents will be expected to counter sign the results slips to confirm the correctness of the count attributed to their party or to their candidate,” he said.

From there, the slip will be taken to the Commission’s local office.

“At the local office of the IEC where the local party structures will be present, it will first be scanned into the results system to create an image of that result. It will then be available for political parties that are [at the Results Operations Centre].

“After that, it will be captured… and after capturing then it will be audited. Once the captured result is audited and there are no exceptions related to that result, you will begin to see the votes reflecting on the leader board [at the Results Operations Centre],” he said.

Mamabolo explained that results may take longer to filter through than in the past because ballots papers are now three instead of two.

Counting is expected to commence at each voting station as soon as the last voter has been served. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 21:15

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Read moreCitizens make their mark in 2024 Elections

Call to vote ahead of end of Election Day

Location: News

Call to vote ahead of end of Election Day

The Electoral Commission in KwaZulu-Natal has encouraged registered voters who have yet to cast their votes, to do so ahead of the closing of voting stations at 9pm.

The call comes as voters in various parts of the country continue to cast their votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured citizens that no eligible voter will be turned away and that every voter in a queue by 9pm will be assisted.

Giving a progress report on voting in the province on Wednesday, the provincial electoral commission said 96% of the 4 974 voting stations in the province opened at 7am, while some stations opened late due to some incidents in some parts of the province.

Among the reasons behind the late opening included the non-availability of police to escort staff carrying sensitive materials, service delivery protests, the blocking of voting stations by some political parties, and voter management devices (VDMs) with Apps that were not updated, amongst others.

The commission has reassured the voters that any technical glitch encountered on the VMD should not delay the voting process in voting stations. 

“Voting is a manual process. If the hard copy of the voters and a list of preapproved Section 24A cases is at the voting station, voting can proceed unhindered,” the Commission said.

On the approved special votes, which took place on Monday and Tuesday in the province, the commission reported that of the approved special votes a total of 110 280 out of the 238 235 voting station visits were administered, including 101 161 out of 128 053 approved home visits were administered.

“We got reports of area managers being followed into our storage sites where we kept materials overnight, by people claiming to be representing political parties and demanding to camp within the precinct of our storage facilities. Such situations were also diffused by the SAPS [South African Police Service],” the commission said.

Voting stations will close at 9pm tonight while Home Affairs Offices are also open for the processing of Temporary Identity Certificates and issuing of Identity Documents ready for collection. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 16:40

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Read moreCall to vote ahead of end of Election Day

Voters talk about changes they want to see in SA

Location: News

Voters talk about changes they want to see in SA

While government has made significant strides in improving the lives of South Africans since 1994, voters have expressed some of the changes that they would like to see in the country after the 2024 General Elections.

This is as eligible voters across the country are today exercising their right to vote in the country’s seventh democratic elections, which comes 30 years after South Africa held its first democratic election.

“We need to improve the quality of education. The country needs change the curriculum to be more skills based in order for the youth to have access to job opportunities or even start businesses. Creating more employment opportunities is key,” Sbongakonke Shelembe said.

The 41-year-old, who is voting in Pietermaritzburg today, called on government to focus on uprooting corruption in the public service.

“Focus should also be on running efficient municipalities to attract investment. The government also needs to control the influx of undocumented foreign nationals. Various town are run down because there is no proper zoning of businesses,” he said.

Kopano Moumakae, 22, expressed concern about inflation and high food prices.

“If we can control inflation [things would be better for citizens]. Food prices is something that I am very stressed about. I want to see investment into public infrastructure. I would like to see us using what we already have to create more opportunities for people that do not have jobs. Job creation and public infrastructure is something that speaks to me,” Kopano Moumakae said at a voting station in Montana, Pretoria.

Reflecting on the importance of voting, Moumakae said due to the history of the country, it was important for him to exercise his democratic right to vote.

Shelembe noted the myriad of challenges facing the country as his reason for voting.

“Voting is important because it presents an opportunity for one's voice to be heard,” he said.

Phumla Mugeri, a voter in Pretoria, spoke about the progress government has made to improve lives of ordinary South Africans.

“I have seen so many changes since 1994. I come from a rural area; we did not have roads, water and toilets but when you visit the area now you see significant improvements. I believe that in the 30 years of democracy many changes have occurred,” Mugeri said.

Voting is taking place from 7am until 9pm. The Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured citizens that no eligible voter will be turned away and that every voter in a queue by 9pm will be assisted.

Overall, 70 political parties are contesting the elections, 11 independent candidates, and the national contestants are 52. In total, there are over 14 903 candidates vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 09:21

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Read moreVoters talk about changes they want to see in SA

All systems go for 2024 Elections

Location: News

All systems go for 2024 Elections

With just hours left to go before voting day, the Electoral Commission is ready for the seventh National and Provincial Elections.

“Our clarion call to all South Africans is - let's go out in huge numbers and vindicate our democratic right to vote,” Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Electoral Commission, Sy Mamabolo, said on Tuesday at a briefing in Midrand.

The commission applauded political parties and independent candidates for relatively peaceful campaigns, adding that the spirit of tolerance and forbearance must be taken on Election Day tomorrow.

“It is time now for all of us to work together to ensure that these elections are free, fair, safe, and that the outcome reflects the will of the South African electorate.”

Tuesday marked the second day of the casting of special votes at 22 626 voting stations and home visits over the past two days with 937 144 voters having been processed.

The commission said it would use the “lessons and experiences” over the last two days of special voting to further refine operations to positively impact on voter experience on Election Day.

“The commission urges all the remaining 26 million eligible voters to go out and cast their votes tomorrow.”

It reminded voters that its network of 23 292 voting stations will open for voting at 07h00 and close at 21h00.

“It is important to emphasise that eligible voters who will be at the voting station at 21h00 will be allowed to vote and not turned away.”

In addition, voters must vote where they are registered.

“The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of their registered voting district only after notifying the CEO. Notifications in this regard closed on May 17. Approximately 360 000 voters have been approved to vote outside their voting districts.”

The commission reminded all eligible voters of the following:

  • Bring along valid South African identity document.
  • Each voter will be verified on the voters roll and marked with ink on the left thumb.
  • Each voter will receive three ballot papers: the national, regional, and provincial ballot papers. Voters are reminded to indicate their choices with one mark on each ballot (voters who have given pre-notification to vote at a voting stations outside the province in which they are registered will receive only the national ballot).
  • Each ballot paper will be validated with a stamp on the reverse.
  • All three ballots must be deposited in the ballot box at the voting station.
  • It is prohibited for a voter to take a photograph of their marked ballot paper. This arrangement is necessary to protect the secrecy of the choice of voters and to avoid voters being coerced or unduly induced into making political choices.

The commission called on registered voters to check the correctness of their voting station through the following channels:

  • By SMS ID number to 32810
  • Using voting station finder application on website
  • Contact centre on 080011800.
  • The IEC APP downloadable from Apple and Google app stores. 

Load shedding

The commission said that load shedding is not expected on voting day.

“Furthermore, Eskom has given assurances that there are no plans for scheduled maintenance work or load shedding in the period around voting day.

“Instances of power outages must be reported to Eskom in the normal course to enable effective responses.”

Identity documents

For voters who may need identity documents, the Department of Home Affairs will operate all its offices between 07h00 to 21h00 to facilitate collection of identity documents and the issuance of temporary identification certificates.

The commission said it was confident that all preparations are in place for free, fair elections.

“A key aspect of our preparations included engaging with various stakeholders which includes political parties, independent candidates, the media, security and government structures at all levels, civil society organizations, community organizations, and the voters of South Africa. A number of state entities and municipalities are supporting the logistics of elections.” -SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 20:22

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Read moreAll systems go for 2024 Elections

Security agencies in Mpumalanga ready for elections

Location: News

Security agencies in Mpumalanga ready for elections

Acting Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Busisiwe Shiba, says security agencies are currently deployed at all voting districts across the province.

South Africa will vote in the National and Provincial Elections on Wednesday.

The MEC appealed to citizens who are registered to vote to go out in their numbers and exercise their right to participate in the elections.

Shiba noted a few incidents of intimidation directed at Independent Electoral (IEC) staff and other political parties by some individuals amid the ongoing special votes in the province.

The MEC condemned the behaviour in the strongest possible terms and called on the police to swiftly bring the perpetrators to book.

"The Security Cluster has identified hotspots as part of ensuring that all threats are accordingly eliminated to enable all voters to freely participate in these elections.

“The cluster will decisively deal with any person who threatens other people or officials working at various voting districts across the province.

"We are a democratic state where everybody's right to freely vote should be respected regardless of their political convictions. We therefore wish to reassure the citizens that the security cluster is on high alert and plans are in place to ensure free and fair elections that will not be marred by violence and intimidation," Shiba said. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 17:41

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Read moreSecurity agencies in Mpumalanga ready for elections

Northern Cape communities urged to work with police to ensure safe elections

Location: News

Northern Cape communities urged to work with police to ensure safe elections

Law enforcement in the Northern Cape has called on communities to work with them to ensure that the National and Provincial Elections -- to be held this week -- are safe and secure.

In a statement, the Northern Cape Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), said from their side, law enforcement has done all it can to ensure they are ready for Election Day on Wednesday.

“All the security measures and plans that have been put in place will ensure that the election process in the Northern Cape will proceed without any incidents of crime and disruptions. We assure maximum deployments to ensure the successful execution of the operational plan.

“As the PROVJOINTS, we are satisfied with the contingency plans put in place and reassure the inhabitants of the Northern Cape that they can expect a safe and peaceful election.

“However, while measures are in place, the ultimate responsibility of ensuring a safe and conducive environment lies with every citizen of the province, which requires sound partnerships in order to create a harmonious backdrop of mutual respect as we are heading to the voting polls,” the statement read.

Furthermore, potential threats of disruptions are being monitored.

“Threats identified, such as community protests are already being attended to and those that are found to be in contravention of the law are being dealt with. Our Public Order Police units (POPS) are on the ground and ready to prevent and combat such incidents.

“We take this opportunity to remind our communities that the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa provides that every resident is free to make political choices, which includes the right to participate in the activities of political parties and to campaign for such parties,” the statement said.

Communities are also warned not to vandalise, deface or remove political party posters and placards, as this is against the law.

Citizens are also warned not to spread fake news or incite violence.

“Any person found to be tampering with posters will be arrested and charged with contravention of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, which prohibits the unlawful removal and defacing of posters published by a political party.

“We also condemn the spreading of fake news, unverified information, rumours or threats on social media platforms that seek to cause unnecessary panic and confusion and in some instances, incite possible violence. Those found to be sharing inflammatory messages and inciting violence will be charged accordingly,” read the statement.

The Northern Cape PROVJOINTS said although ensuring a “safe and secure election process” is a priority, due attention is also paid to normal policing work.

“The main priority of SAPS, with the support of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster departments, is to ensure a safe and secure election process. We also assure the communities of the Northern Cape that normal crime prevention and policing operations are continuing prior, during and beyond the election period.

“Every law enforcement officer on the ground, has the responsibility and an obligation to execute their mandate, professionally, impartially and with integrity and within the confines of the laws of the country. Our members are reminded that we are a-political and will enforce the law without fear and favour,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 12:18

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Read moreNorthern Cape communities urged to work with police to ensure safe elections

Authorities ready to protect citizens’ right to vote during elections

Location: News

Authorities ready to protect citizens' right to vote during elections

Law enforcement agencies are “in charge and in control” as the country heads to the polls this week, says police Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili.

Mosikili said this when she addressed the media on the readiness of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) ahead of the National and Provincial Elections to be held on 29 May 2024.

Special votes are expected to be administered by the Electoral Commission (IEC) on Monday and Tuesday, followed by the general elections on Wednesday.

“To all voters, go out there having full confidence that the NatJOINTS’ plan is on track to protect your rights and our democracy. We are in charge, we are in control. As law enforcement agencies, we will ensure your safety throughout this period,” she said.

The Lieutenant General acknowledged that the task of ensuring a safe election period was challenging but assured citizens that past experience will augur well for this week.

“The task at hand is immense but through past experiences of ensuring safe and secure elections, we are confident that we are ready for this next phase. The road to a safe, secure and peaceful election requires the commitment and effort from all stakeholders, including our communities.

“We are grateful that thus far our communities and South Africans from all walks of life have continued to display responsible conduct and behaviour.

“A reminder to all political parties that political campaigning ends midnight on 28 May 2024, should it continue beyond this period, this would be a transgression and contravention of the Electoral Act,” she said.

Fake news

Mosikili warned citizens, particularly those who use social media, not to engage in the spreading of misinformation and fake news.

“You are all urged to verify facts first before sharing any information which often leads to unnecessary confusion and panic.

“We will not tolerate any incitement of violence on any platform. Our intelligence communities and cybercrime units are closely monitoring online users. We are warned not to step out of line,” she said.

Mosikili reminded police officials to protect the elections within the confines of the law.

“It is more boots on the ground. Our law enforcement agencies are out there deployed to ensure that everyone who will be exercising their democratic right does so in a peaceful, safe and secure environment.

“We once more want to remind our law enforcement agencies to continue to apply fundamental policing principles guided by the Constitution and our laws,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Sun, 05/26/2024 - 14:22

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Read moreAuthorities ready to protect citizens’ right to vote during elections

IEC dismisses vote rigging allegations, condemns threats to officials

Location: News

IEC dismisses vote rigging allegations, condemns threats to officials

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has dismissed allegations of vote rigging made against its offices in KwaZulu-Natal and has condemned threats made against its officials.

This comes days before the National and Provincial Elections are due to be held on 29 May, with special votes expected to be administered on Monday and Tuesday.

On allegations of vote rigging, the commission noted “with great concern” videos circulating related to the allegations at its storage sites in Chesterville and Hammersdale in the province.

“We wish to clarify that the videos depict our planned logistical arrangements and storage of election materials as we prepare for the first day of special voting on 27 May 2024. These are legitimate and authorised arrangements for the distribution of ballot papers and other bulk material.

“The planned security measures were that the trucks distributing ballot papers are escorted by SAPS to the local storage site. These storage sites will then be guarded on a 24-hours basis. This arrangement would ensure that the storage sites are protected against unauthorised entry, burglary, and tempering with election materials and ensure detailed control and recording of all items in storage,” the commission said in a statement.

It further warned that no members of political parties will be allowed entry into any storage facility.

“No party will be allowed to gain entry into the warehouse premises of the commission. We instruct the leadership of MK party to immediately leave the warehouse as the commission urgently needs to finalise the distribution of election material,” the statement read.

Threats to commission officials

The IEC said that in the same province, an official was “was woken at home in the middle of the night about bulk material stored at the Baptist Church voting station in Chesterville”.

“Bulk material is voting booths, voting station signage/banners and new unfolded ballot boxes. This bulk electoral material was taken to Cato Manor police station in eThekwini, in KwaZulu Natal.

“It is part of the logistical plan for the commission to deliver bulk material to voting stations ahead of Election Day. This is meant to ensure that voting stations open on time as only security material such as ballot papers will be delivered on the day of voting,” the commission said.

Furthermore, it strongly condemned any threats towards its staff members.

“No party nor its representatives have authority to gain access to private homes of electoral staff. Worse still no party nor its representatives may take control of election material without being authorised.

“We want to assure the public that additional measures have been implemented to secure these various storage sites across the country. We confirm that the commission has possession of all election materials shown in these videos.

“This electoral material is being prepared for distribution to voting stations in time for the special votes tomorrow, 27 May 2024.

“The commission is contemplating measures against the party and the individuals involved as such obstruction to election activities should not be tolerated. This conduct violates the Code of Conduct and other electoral prescripts,” the IEC said.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation this evening at 6pm. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 05/26/2024 - 13:01

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Read moreIEC dismisses vote rigging allegations, condemns threats to officials

Voters urged to familiarise themselves with three ballot papers

Location: News

Voters urged to familiarise themselves with three ballot papers

As South Africa holds its seventh democratic elections this week, voters will for the first time receive three ballot papers instead of two ballots.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged voters to carefully review and mark each of these three ballot papers before depositing them into the ballot box.

“Our appeal to voters is to remember that they can only put one mark on each ballot, more than one mark will result in a spoiled vote and not counted.

“The Universal Ballot Template (UBT), whose dimensions are benchmarked against the longest ballot paper will be available in all voting stations. The UBT can be used by blind and partially sighted people, low-vision users, people who are dyslexic, and people with motor and neuron conditions which do not allow for a steady hand,” IEC Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sy Mamabolo said.

South Africans will go to the polls on 29 May 2024 to vote for leaders in government for the seventh administration.

The 27.79 million registered voters will receive three ballot papers to elect candidates to represent them in the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures.

The use of the three ballots follows the amendment of the Electoral Act, which was signed into law in April 2023.

“This amendment revised the electoral system to allow independent candidates to contest in the regional (province-to-national) tier of the National Assembly and the Provincial Legislatures.

“Although the phenomenon of three ballots will be familiar to voters in various local municipalities, it will be new to voters in metropolitan areas and for the first time in general elections for national and provinces,” Mamabolo said.

WATCH I Three ballots explained

The three ballot papers are as follows:

  • The national ballot: This ballot will consist of a list of political parties vying for seats for 200 seats in the National Assembly. This ballot will be used to vote for political parties. There are currently 52 parties who will be on this ballot and the configuration will be a dual column.
  • The regional or province-to-national ballots: This will have political parties and independent candidates contesting for the seats reserved for each province in the National Assembly. Voters will use this ballot to elect a political party or an independent candidate to represent them in the National Assembly. The number of contestants range from 30 to 44 on regional ballots. The configuration of this ballot is single column.
  • The provincial ballots: This ballot is unique to each province and includes parties and independent candidates competing for seats in each respective provincial legislature. This ballot will allow voters to choose either a political party or an independent candidate to represent them in provincial legislatures. The number of contestants range from 24 to 45 on the provincial legislatures ballots.

The commission said the design of the ballot papers will be underpinned by the following identifiers:

  • Full registered name of the party
  • The photograph of the registered party leader
  • Registered abbreviated name of the party
  • The registered emblem or symbol of the party

In respect of independent candidates, the ballot papers will have:

  • The name of the independent
  • The photograph bearing the face of the independent
  • The word “INDEPENDENT”

There are a total of 400 contested seats in the National Assembly. The proportional representation compensatory 200 seats will be contested by political parties only and there is a dedicated ballot paper for this tier of the National Assembly.

“The remaining regional or province-to-national 200 seats will be contested by independent candidates and political parties. This tier of the National Assembly will also have a dedicated ballot paper. This means that National Assembly elections will be based on two ballot papers (national ballot and the newly introduced regional or province-to-national ballot).

“Therefore, in respect of the elections of the National Assembly voters may elect a preferred party on the national ballot and elect another preferred party or independent on the regional ballot. However, in respect of provincial elections, voters will elect a preferred party or independent candidate on a single provincial ballot,” the CEO said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 14:23

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Read moreVoters urged to familiarise themselves with three ballot papers

Correctional Services ready for inmates to vote on Election Day

Location: News

Correctional Services ready for inmates to vote on Election Day

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) says it is ready for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections to be conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) next Wednesday.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) says it is ready for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections to be conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) next Wednesday.

According to the department, some 14 753 inmates at correctional facilities have registered to vote in the elections.

“DCS has been working with the IEC in ensuring that all logistical aspects of the voting process are meticulously planned and executed. The environment is thus conducive for the IEC to fulfil its mandate through the provision of ballot papers, secure voting booths and other necessary logistics at correctional facilities.

“Comprehensive voter education was also provided to inmates in order to ensure they are informed about their rights and the voting process,” the department said.

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola said: “The measures we have put in place are designed to ensure that eligible inmates can exercise their right to vote in a secure and transparent manner. Hence, this initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring that our democratic processes are inclusive and just.”

Section 24 B of the Electoral Act makes provision for prisoners to vote in an election for the National Assembly or a provincial legislature, a person who on Election Day is in prison and whose name appears on the voter’s roll for another district, is deemed for that Election Day to have been registered by his or her name having been entered on the voter’s roll for the voting district in which he or she is in prison.

Therefore, the department said, inmates registered before “admission to a correctional centre shall not be denied an opportunity to cast their votes”.

“The transfer and release or placement of inmates on the voting date will be managed in such a way that it does not impede their right to vote. Independent observers will be allowed to monitor the election process within correctional facilities as per the prescripts of the Independent Electoral Commission.

“Observation of the voting process by political parties will be limited to two representatives per political party. This is due to limited space, whilst taking into cognisance the security imperatives of correctional centres,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 09:15

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African Union Election Observation Mission arrives in South Africa ahead of the 2024 General Elections

Location: News

African Union (AU)
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The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) has arrived in South Africa ahead of the 29 May 2024 General Elections. At the invitation of the Government of South Africa and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, approved the deployment of the short-term AUEOM to assess and report on the conduct of this election.

The AUEOM is led by H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of the Republic of Kenya and is comprised of 60 short-term observers (STOs) drawn from ambassadors accredited to the African Union, officials of election management bodies, members of African civil society organisations, African election experts, human rights specialists, gender and media experts, and representatives of youth organizations. The observers are drawn from 24 countries which include Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The AUEOM will base its assessment on the legal framework governing elections in the Republic of South Africa and the OAU/AU Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections, the standards and obligations stipulated in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), and the International Declaration of Principles (DoP) for International Election Observation among others.

The Mission shall interact with state authorities, the Independent Electoral Commission, political parties, the media, civil society organisations and representatives of the international community. The Mission will also interact with other election observation missions deployed to observe the 2024 General Elections in South Africa.

The Mission will release its preliminary findings and recommendations on the conduct of the elections on 31 May 2024 in a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.  A final and comprehensive report will be released within two months from the date of announcement of final election results and will be posted on the AU Commission website.

The Mission's Secretariat is located at the Hilton Hotel, Sandton, South Africa.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Read moreAfrican Union Election Observation Mission arrives in South Africa ahead of the 2024 General Elections

Universal Ballot Template widens access to democracy

Location: News

Universal Ballot Template widens access to democracy

The Electoral Commission (IEC) says the Universal Ballot Template, a voting aid designed to empower persons with disabilities and special needs, will help this section of the population to exercise their democratic right independently and with the utmost secrecy.

This, according to the Commission, was developed in collaboration with the South African National Council for the Blind.

Speaking at the launch of the National Result Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand on Wednesday, the Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said on 27 and 28 May, the Commission will accept Special Votes from the 1 668 076 South Africans who were approved for this category of votes.

“The Commission will visit 624 593 voters at their homes or places of confinement, and 1 043 483 will be assisted at voting stations where they are registered,” he said.

Mamabolo said in addition to trained staff, agents from political parties and independent candidates, as well as accredited observers will be present when the special votes are cast.

“As we embark on this momentous journey, we find inspiration in the unwavering commitment of our staff, who will be present at all 23 303 voting stations, diligently attending to the needs of those unable to visit the stations, ensuring a seamless and inclusive voting experience for all,” Mamabolo said.

Mamabolo said the appointment of 202 500 voting officials, including a new category of staff dedicated to enhancing the counting quality, underscores the Commission’s resolute dedication to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

“The Commission takes immense pride in announcing the completion of ballot printing and delivery of over 90 million ballots meticulously prepared for this historic occasion.

“Voters will be presented with three ballot papers: The National Compensatory Ballot for political parties, the Provincial Ballot, and the Regional Ballot for parties and independent candidates. We remind all voters of the sacred principle, 'One ballot, One Mark'," Mamabolo said.

According to Mamabolo, provinces with the most approved special votes for both home visits and voting station visits are Gauteng (335 480), KwaZulu-Natal (320 010), Eastern Cape (286 059), Limpopo (159 800), Western Cape (137 558), North West (132 627), Mpumalanga (126,112), Free State (86,908), and Northern Cape (83,504).

“It is important to point out that in addition to our trained staff, agents from political parties and independent candidates, as well as accredited observers, will be present when the special votes are cast,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 10:55

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“Nerve centre” ready for capturing, auditing, collating elections results

Location: News

"Nerve centre" ready for capturing, auditing, collating elections results

The National Result Operation Centre (ROC) for the 2024 national elections has been launched in Midrand.

The ROC, at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, will be the nerve centre for capturing, auditing, collating and announcing the election results next week after Election Day.

Speaking at the official launch of the results centre on Wednesday, the Electoral Commission (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said it will serve as the “beating heart of the democratic process”, bringing together commission members, operational areas, representatives of political parties and independent candidates, observer missions and media representatives from across the globe.

There will also be ROCs across all the nine provinces, Mamabolo said.

He said it was an honour to welcome a record-breaking 160 organisations, collectively deploying over 5 000 observers from around the world to witness and validate the integrity of the commission’s electoral process.

“This includes esteemed international bodies such as the African Union, The Carter Centre Democracy Program, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, alongside a legion of domestic observers committed to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability.”

He reminded all voters of the principle that governs the elections - a person votes at the voting station where they are registered. 

“The only exception to this rule is for those who have duly notified the commission of their intention to vote outside their registered voting district,” he said.

With less than a week before Election Day, Mamabolo called on all South Africans, both at home and abroad, to participate in this defining moment for the nation.

Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Mosotho Moepya said the ROC was not merely a physical space but was a testament to the unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity in the electoral process. 

“The ROC stands as a beacon of transparency and accountability, illuminating the path toward a future characterised by free and fair elections. Here, within the walls of what we affectionately call ‘The ROC’, South Africa's commitment to free and fair elections finds its stronghold,” Moepya said.

Moepya said the results centre would witness the announcement and certification of results in national, provincial, and local elections and that it symbolised the nation's steadfast dedication to democratic principles.

“I extend a warm welcome to representatives from all political parties and independent candidates participating in these elections. 

“Your presence here underscores the collaborative effort required in the management of elections. Through the National Political Liaison Committee, we have engaged transparently at every stage of the electoral process, ensuring inclusivity and fairness,” he said.

Moepya said each voting station result undergoes rigorous audit authentication before being posted, ensuring accuracy and accountability. 

“The capture and verification of results at each voting station, independent audits, and real-time accessibility of data to stakeholders exemplify our commitment to integrity,” he said.

Special Votes

On 27 May and 28 May, the commission will accept special votes from the 1 668 076 South Africans who were approved for this category of votes.

The commission will visit 624 593 voters at their homes or places of confinement and 1 043 483 will be assisted at voting stations where they are registered.

The province with the most approved special votes for both home visits and voting station visits is Gauteng with 335 480.

The rest are as follows: KwaZulu-Natal with 320 010, the Eastern Cape with 286 059, Limpopo with 159 800, the Western Cape with 137 558, North West with 132 627, Mpumalanga with 126 112, Free State with 86 908 and the Northern Cape with 83 504. 

The ROC is supported by nine other provincial elections centres across the country. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 21:33

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Read more“Nerve centre” ready for capturing, auditing, collating elections results

CoGTA Minister welcomes introduction of Coalition Bill

Location: News

CoGTA Minister welcomes introduction of Coalition Bill

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, has welcomed the introduction of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, 2024, also known as the Coalition Bill. 

This is after the department gazetted the Coalition Bill on Tuesday, which provides a legislative framework to guide the formation and the management of coalition governments. 

The Bill also provides systems to minimise the challenges of coalitions within the local government sphere. 

“The Bill comes because of a public outcry for a framework, or guidelines or legislation, which was given rise to by the maturing democracy and increased number of hung councils, from 24 in the year 2000, to the recent 81 municipalities affected post the 2021 Local Government Elections.” 

The increased number, according to CoGTA, signalled the need to strengthen coalition governance to address challenges related to poor governance, service delivery and instability in municipal councils.  

The amendments to the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (“the Structures Act”) is seen as a vehicle or mechanism within which the coalition governments can be institutionalised to address challenges in hung councils. 

“In essence, the Bill seeks to amend the Structures Act, to provide for a definition of ‘coalition agreement’ to compel political parties to enter into a written and negotiated binding agreement between parties that form a coalition government in a municipality in which no political party has a majority of seats in council,” the department said

CoGTA believes that the Bill will be able to address resolve towards mitigate the governance challenges related to “unscrupulous manipulation” by parties less represented in the council. 

The department also noted coalitions incentivised by promises of senior positions or outright bribes with little thought on the impact of the same on the municipality and its ability to deliver services.

They also cited the infighting in councils characterised by walkouts, resulting in “inquorate” councils failing to execute their legislated mandate and inability to make key appointments and adopt budgets and policies, resulting in an administration that cannot spend its budget to address service delivery backlogs. 

“These challenges have a direct impact on society, in particular when a municipality fails to uphold its obligations, which in turn, has repercussions ripple throughout its jurisdiction, affecting the lives and livelihoods of local residents,” said Nkadimeng.

As CoGTA moves forward with the legislative process for this Bill, Nkadimeng encouraged all stakeholders to actively engage and provide valuable input to strengthen local government structures. 

The department is inviting the public to provide inputs on the Bill, with the view to address the present implementation gaps and challenges being experienced within the local government sector. 

Written submissions or comments may be submitted to the Department of Cooperative Governance at comments.coalitionbill@cogta.gov.za by no later than 5 July 2024.

Comments can also be posted to the department’s Director-General Nhlamulo Mathye, Department of Cooperative Governance, Private Bag X804, PRETORIA, 0001. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 15:04

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South Africans in London urged to cast their vote

Location: News

South Africans in London urged to cast their vote

The Electoral Commission has called on South Africans living in London to make their voices heard by casting their vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

“Today is your last chance to make your voice heard in the #SAelections24. Remember to bring your ID and share a pic of your inked thumb! The voting station is open from 7am-9pm,” said the Commission in a social media post on X on Sunday.

This as the Electoral Commission announced a smooth start to special voting abroad at nine South African missions on Friday, 17 May 2024.

The Commission had designated 17 May 2024 as a special voting day at nine foreign missions as follows: Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Ramallah, Riyad, and Teheran.

"We are pleased that South Africans living abroad have heeded the call to vote. It is appropriate at this time to also  express gratitude to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Department of Home Affairs for their ongoing support,” said Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo.

“The Commission reminds voters that the 102 missions with a work week from Monday–Friday will vote tomorrow, Saturday, 18 May, between 7am and 7pm,” it said in a statement on Friday afternoon.

Due to the large voter population, the Commission determined two days of special voting for London.

“These are Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May 2024 from 7 am to 9pm. The additional  voting day and extended voting hours are intended to enable proper arrangements for the 24 535 voters entitled to vote at the mission.”

Mamabolo reminded voters that, by law, South Africans abroad and those voting outside of their provinces of registration, will only vote on the national compensatory ballot.

The 2024 National compensatory ballot has 52 political parties arranged in two columns. Voters are reminded to make a mark against a single party on the ballot.

Voters out-of country on special voting days must present in person at a mission at which they are registered (or where they have successfully applied for a special vote by VEC 10 notice), and will vote as follows:

  • A voter will present their South African identity document (ID) book, smartcard or temporary identity certificate to the election official (copies of identity documents and images saved on devices are not competent forms of identification for voting).
  • The left thumbnail of the voter is marked with indelible ink to indicate that they have voted.
  • The name of the voter is marked off the list of voters approved to vote at that mission to indicate that the voter has participated in the election.
  • The voter is issued with the National compensatory ballot paper.
  • The voter will mark the ballot in secret, and place and seal the ballot in an unmarked envelope which will in turn be placed in a second envelop marked with details of the voter and the mission.
  • After the voting process, cast national compensatory ballots will be transported through a secure channel back to the national office of the Electoral Commission for counting. The votes will be counted in the presence of agents representing contestants after the close of the voting stations in the country.

Meanwhile, with JUST days left to the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on voters to exercise their right to vote.

“Your vote is important. Your vote counts,” he said in a message to the nation. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 05/19/2024 - 11:41

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Read moreSouth Africans in London urged to cast their vote

Communities warned against vandalising election posters

Location: News

Communities warned against vandalising election posters

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has cautioned communities against vandalising, defacing and removing posters of political parties ahead of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

“Anyone found to be tampering with these posters or vandalizing them will be arrested. Such cases have been reported and arrests have been made,” Deputy National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said on Sunday in Pretoria during a media briefing.

Led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Security Agency (SSA), the NATJOINTS reminded communities that the Constitution protects citizens’ rights to make political choices.

WATCH | NATJOINTS media briefing 

 

These rights, includes the right to participate in the activities of, or recruit members for a political party and to campaign for a political party or cause.

In addition, the Electoral Act 73 of 1998 prohibits the unlawful removal and defacing of posters published by a registered party.

On 29 May 2024, South Africans will once again get an opportunity to exercise their right to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial elections, which marks the country's seventh democratic elections.

READ | NATJOINTS to ensure peaceful elections

Fake news

The NATJOINTS has urged members of the public to fact-check information first before sharing it on social media platforms.

“One of our biggest threats at the moment is fake news. We strongly condemn the spreading of fake news, unverified information, rumours or threats as this seeks to cause panic and confusion, and in some instances incite possible violence.

“Those who are found to be sharing inflammatory messages and inciting violence will be charged accordingly. We, therefore, urge prompt reporting of these incidents to ensure that law enforcement deals with such issues,” Mosikili said.

She called on political leaders to be responsible in the manner in which they communicate on public platforms.

“We have noted an increase in the number of service delivery related protests. To mitigate this, increased police visibility through the deployment of the public order policing unit has been made to potentially volatile areas to address large crowds.

“We will continue to work closely with key role players to monitor developments and attend to them. Law enforcement agencies are on the ground and will continue to apply fundamental policing principles, guided by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Every law enforcement officer has a responsibility and an obligation to execute their mandate, professionally, impartially and with integrity, and to do so within the confines of the laws of the country,” the Deputy National Commissioner said.

The NATJOINTS said measures that have been put in place to ensure that the country’s upcoming general elections proceed without any incidents of crime and disruptions.

“Having conducted a national security assessment with key role players in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, we are satisfied with the operational plan that is currently being implemented, and can assure South Africans that a conducive environment for a peaceful election has been prepared.

“While measures have been put in place, the ultimate responsibility of a safe and secure election lies with each one of us. It is a partnership that is required to create harmony, respect for self and others even as we make our way to the polls and back home,” Mosikili said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 05/19/2024 - 12:28

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Read moreCommunities warned against vandalising election posters

When words aren’t enough: Parties falling short on climate action

Location: MyPR

In the midst of political alliances with coal lobbyists, environmentalists are urging strategic voting and active citizenship to address the deepening climate crisis and stave off the collapse of natural systems. Voting is crucial, but South Africa’s political parties are falling short on addressing urgent climate and ecological challenges. In reality, many are “schizophrenic”, “bipolar”, …

Read moreWhen words aren’t enough: Parties falling short on climate action

Guidance Note aims to protect personal information of voters

Location: News

Guidance Note aims to protect personal information of voters

The Information Regulator (South Africa) has launched a guidance note to guide how political parties and independent candidates use the personal information of voters for campaigning purposes in the run-up to the National and Provincial Elections.

The Guidance Note addresses aspects such as the responsibilities of political parties and independent candidates as responsible parties in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act No. 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

“This is done by aligning each of the eight conditions for the lawful processing of personal information to the circumstances of political parties and independent candidates as they campaign for elections. 

"The Guidance Note indicates what would be expected of political parties and independent candidates with regard to the protection of personal information of the voters, in accordance with each of the eight conditions for the lawful processing of personal information,” the Regulator said on Tuesday.

The Guidance Note states that if political parties and independent candidates want to use personal information of voters for campaign purposes, they must collect such personal information from the voters directly and not from data brokers or lead generators and use it for campaign purposes only.

It also prohibits the supply of personal information that has been collected for campaigning purposes to third parties without the consent of a voter.

“With the new Guidance Note, the Regulator seeks to ensure that both political parties, independent candidates and the public are fully informed and enabled to take the necessary action to protect the personal information of voters during elections.

"It will also minimise the risks to the free flow of accurate information that is crucial for informed participation in the electoral process,” the Regulator said.

The new guidance note is an update to the Guidance Note issued by the Regulator in the run-up to the local government elections in 2019.

The new Guidance Note is based on recent developments in the electoral process following changes in electoral law (allowing for independent candidates to stand and campaign for elections), the increasing instances of security compromise to personal information in various segments of the economy and society and increasing risks to the electoral process due to misinformation and disinformation.

Solicitation of donations

The Guidance Note also addresses the issue of solicitation of donations by political parties and independent candidates through direct marketing.

According to the Guidance Note, campaigning for votes does not constitute the promotion of any services and does not fall within the definition of direct marketing in POPIA.

“However, the act of requesting for donations by a political party or independent candidate is subject to the regulation of direct marketing in terms of POPIA and therefore, in this respect, political parties and independent candidates have to comply with the provisions of POPIA in relation to direct marketing,” the Regulator said.

Misinformation and disinformation

The Guidance Note regards misinformation and disinformation as a violation of the right of access to accurate and reliable information and also violates the right to privacy of a person whose image and/or voice of is used without their consent to spread fake messages through generative artificial intelligence.

“It therefore requires political parties and independent candidates to play their role in fighting misinformation and disinformation by developing and implementing policies and action plans to mitigate against misinformation and disinformation.

“The Guidance Note requires political parties and independent candidates to investigate instances of misinformation and disinformation by their campaigns and take disciplinary action against their staff that engage in these practices,” the Regulator said.

It also calls on the Independent Electoral Commission to issue a code of conduct to address misinformation and disinformation in digital in digital platforms to promote free, fair and orderly elections in terms of section 99(2) of the Electoral Act. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 09:27

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Read moreGuidance Note aims to protect personal information of voters