With South Africa’s seventh democratic general elections scheduled for May 29, 2024, the IEC has confirmed its readiness for the elections. NONTOBEKO AISHA MKHWANAZI reports:
DURING his address to various stakeholders, Michael Hendrickse, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Western Cape (WC) Provincial Electoral Officer, underscored the pivotal role of voting in a democratic nation.
‘While elections can occur without democracy, true democracy cannot exist without elections,’ says Hendrickse.
He delivered this message during a Multi-Stakeholder Engagement on the IEC’s election readiness. Attended by various civil society organisations and the media, the event was hosted by the WC Provincial IEC at the Garden Court Nelson Mandela Boulevard Hotel in Cape Town on February 28.
His remarks followed the IEC’s acknowledgment of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s public announcement of the scheduled date for South Africa’s seventh democratic general elections, which is May 29, 2024.
With the voter registration period closed, Hendrickse assured the public that the IEC is prepared for the 2024 elections.
He stated that ‘the IEC has implemented measures to ensure smooth operations, including finalising storage sites for materials, procuring necessary supplies, updating ICT and voter management devices to mitigate the impact of load shedding, and engaging with Eskom for uninterrupted power supply.’
During his address, Hendrickse outlined key changes for the 27.6-million registered voters regarding the 2024 elections.
Three ballot papers
According to Hendrikse, South Africa is set to witness the distribution of three distinct ballot papers at voting stations.
‘Traditionally, we’ve only had two ballot papers, namely the National Proportional Representation (PR) ballot for parliament and the Provincial Ballot for the provincial legislature. However, the addition of a third ballot is a significant change. This new ballot is dedicated to regional seats within the province for the National Assembly,’ said Hendrikse.
He further clarified: ‘The use of different terminology is crucial. “Regional” and “Provincial” differentiates between seats allocated to specific regions in parliament and those in the provincial legislatures of each province. Essentially, a region mirrors the territorial area of a province.’
Hendrikse also emphasised the practical implications of the three-ballot paper system, stating that ‘when voting within your registered province, expect to receive three separate ballot papers: National, Regional and Provincial. However, if you vote outside your registered province, you’ll only receive the National ballot paper.’
Voting where you are not registered to vote
Regarding voting at a different voting station, Hendrickse explained that the new requirement is that one needs to complete a Section 24A form by May 17, 2024, to vote outside one’s registered province. This form can be accessed on the IEC website or at any local IEC office.
He also stated that in the past voters could simply arrive at a voting station where they were not registered and apply to vote there.
He highlighted the consequences of not adhering to this requirement: it would result in the registered voter being denied to vote, as they could only vote at the voting station they had registered to vote at.
‘This law was enacted due to the reflection of 2019 elections wherein 1.8 million South Africans voted at a voting station where they were not registered. This caused a huge logistical issue as ballot papers and staff in each voting station are allocated based on the number of people who registered to vote in that particular voting station,’ he added.
Voters who will be voting at an international voting station
For voters planning to cast their ballots at international voting stations, Hendrickse emphasised the deadline of April 22, 2024, for submitting a VEC 10 special vote application online or at your nearest IEC office and encouraged timely notification to the IEC.
Hendrickse pointed out that unlike other years, ‘not all voters who intend voting out-of-country are required to apply for a special vote online, known as a VEC 10 application.’
He also clarified that a voter who is registered to vote out-of-country, and plans to vote at the accredited mission where they are registered, is not required to submit an online VEC 10 special vote application.
‘Only voters who will be voting at an accredited mission that they are not registered to vote at are required to submit an online VEC 10 special vote application,’ Hendrickse stated.
He further pointed out that citizens overseas will cast their vote on either May 18 or 19, 2024.
Special votes
Hendrickse explained that if a person cannot vote at their voting station on the election day, they can apply – before May 3, 2024 – to cast a special vote at their voting station.
‘This can be done using our secured online application form, or by sending your identity number via SMS to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS) for a special vote at a voting station only,’ said Hendrickse.
He further said, ‘By visiting your local IEC office (not the national or provincial offices) and submitting an MEC 35 form, you can also apply for a special vote. Forms can only be hand-delivered, but someone else can deliver your completed form on your behalf.’
Home visit
Hendrickse explained that home visits are limited to individuals who cannot come to the voting station due to ill health, physical disability, or pregnancy-related difficulties.
‘Persons who are hospitalised can also apply for hospital visits. One can apply for a home visit before May 3, 2024, online or by having a family member or friend visit the local IEC offices,’ said Hendrikse.
In addition, he highlighted that those who are applying on behalf of someone must provide their details, and if any of the parties is found to have made false claims, they may face prosecution.
Those who have been successfully registered for home visits will be voting on May 27 and May 28, 2024 at their residence between 9am and 5pm.
‘We have found in the past that people abused the system by applying for a special vote and when we get to the house the person is not there. If you are not at home, we are going to leave,’ Hendrickse warned.
He clarified that if anyone asks what will happen if they get sick after May 3, 2024 – after the cut-off date for registering for a special vote– they will, unfortunately, not be able to engage in a special vote nor will they get a home visit.
As the country gears up to exercise its democratic right, it is essential to stay informed and engaged.
For more information on voting procedures, deadlines and eligibility criteria, visit the IEC website at https://www.elections.org.za/pw/ or contact the WC office on 021 910 5700, or visit their offices located at The Bridge, 1st Floor, Unit 4, 304 Durban Road, Bellville, Cape Town.
