Ready as can be: IEC

GEORGE NEWS - The upcoming local government elections (LGE) for 27 October still need to be proclaimed, but, as the saying goes, the show must go on.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) had to rebrand its posters with new dates for registration weekend (31 July to 1 August), following a two-week postponement in light of the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic currently sweeping the country. This had a knock-on effect on certain dates and activities associated with the proclamation and election, including delaying proclamation by four days until 6 August.

A webinar last Thursday evening, 8 July, with IEC Provincial Head Michael Hendrickse shed some light on their state of readiness amidst shifting goals, vaccine roll-outs and Covid-19 waves. Hendrickse said the lockdown adjusted level 4 and the third wave of the pandemic have seriously impacted the roll-out of training boot camps, as well as the stability of the IEC's registration station venue network.

A question from George Herald on what the chances are of the LGE actually taking place this year, Hendrickse said the IEC clearly is concerned about the impact of the pandemic on the voter, on the staff and the increase in hospitalisation. "We will have to see. It is a unique situation - how do you plan with all these levels of uncertainty all over again? That is really also why we asked Judge Moseneke to investigate," he said.

Feedback from a thorough investigation by Moseneke into whether free and fair elections can be held during the pandemic, is being awaited. "The judge has indicated that he will be submitting the report to the commission by 21 July, if not earlier," said Hendrickse.

Addresses

Meanwhile, the IEC embarked on the mammoth task of trying to complete incomplete addresses on the voter's registration lists. "Our staff had to go and search for them. It has been a massive task," said Hendrickse. He pointed out that not having a formal address does not mean someone can't vote. "As long as your address [formal or informal] is inside the ward where you vote."

A total of 3 035 044 voters in the Western Cape are currently registered to vote. Hendrickse said the registered number of young voters in the province - 3 405 be-tween the age of 18 and 19 years - is indeed worrisome.

Innovative ways

New voter management devices, similar to a small tablet, are being procured ahead of the LGE to enhance voter registration and the monitoring of voter participation in real time. This includes the ability to capture an address or place of residence during registration and to verify the address against ward boundaries. It also provides support functions such as the monitoring of electoral staff attendance and ballot paper tracking.

Voters who have already registered can check their registration details online at www.elections.org.za. Those who need to register for the first time will soon be able to do that online as well. Voters can also SMS 32810 to find out about their registration status and voting station.

More women registered to vote in Western Cape.