Pretoria - Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister Des van Rooyen has urged all registered voters in the Tlokwe area to update their address details on the voters’ roll this weekend.
The department on Wednesday said the Minister, who is also the chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Elections, supports the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s effort to implement the decision of the Constitutional Court.
“This decision follows the pragmatic judgment of the Constitutional Court which amongst others ruled that the 2016 Municipal Elections may proceed on 3 August 2016 using the current certified voters’ roll -- with the exception of Tlokwe.
“The court was very clear that with regards to Tlokwe, the Electoral Commission (IEC) should still ensure the implementation of the November 2015 Kham judgment and the subsequent ruling by the Electoral Court,” said the department.
“We urge all registered voters in the Tlokwe area to come out on 9 July and Sunday 10 July from 8am - 5pm to provide missing address details or to correct their address details on the voters’ roll,” said Minister van Rooyen.
The department said government appeals to all stakeholders including media, community structures, political parties, candidates and others within the Tlokwe and surrounding areas to assist in spreading the messages and encouraging the registered voters without addresses to visit their voting station this weekend.
The department said it supports the work of the IEC and also recognises the right of all eligible citizens to participate in the affairs of their government through voting, which is one of the cornerstones of democracy.
“For citizens to be able to exercise their democratic right to vote on 3 August 2016, we support the compilation of a comprehensive and inclusive voters roll containing addresses of voters.
“It is however important for communities in the area to note that this is not a call for new voter registrations, it is however an opportunity for the already registered voters’ to check and update their details on the roll,” said the department.
It said the voters’ roll is already closed and it is important to keep it that way to protect its integrity.
“As government, we are pleased that the Electoral Commission is already making progress implementing the decision of the Constitutional Court,” said Minister van Rooyen.
The department said it believes that this prompt action by the IEC to verify addresses is commendable and pioneering as it is part of the broader fundamental task that creates the environment for a free, fair and credible election. - SAnews.gov.za
