Pretoria - Newly appointed Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Chairperson Glenton Vuma Mashinini says he is ready to execute his duties at the electoral commission, as it readies itself for the 2016 municipal elections.
“I am ready, willing and able to discharge my responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and commitment to our country and all its citizens,” Mashinini said on Friday.
The Presidency on Wednesday announced that President Jacob Zuma had appointed Mashinini to the post. The IEC has not had a Chairperson since the resignation by Advocate Pansy Tlakula in 2014.
The chairperson said the commission is expected to improve and strengthen its capabilities so as to ensure that the elections and their outcomes represent a true reflection of the will of the people.
He was satisfied that the IEC and its administrative and operational team are ready for the upcoming elections.
“I am satisfied that the commission is ready for the task and challenges ahead - noting of course that some processes have critical interdependencies with other state institutions. The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) remains the most critical dependency in the delivery of the 2016 municipal elections,” he said.
The IEC is currently working on aligning voting districts to ward boundaries and the work to recruit and train registration staff is underway. Soon after, voter registration will take place followed by the IEC then waiting for the proclamation of the elections.
“We are already working with all stakeholders both internally in the commission and externally including political parties, civil society and national security agencies to ensure we have a climate conducive for credible elections,” said Mashinini.
He said the responsibility to ensure free, fair and credible elections is not only the work of the IEC.
“As a commission we also rely on the goodwill of South African citizens both young and old to make our democracy thrive. We invite all South Africans to play their part meaningfully to enhance our democracy,” he said at a ceremony in Pretoria.
He called on those who have not registered to come forward and do so.
“The IEC is synonymous with the birth of a democratic and free South Africa. This institution is a national treasure which belongs to all of us,” said Mashinini. - SAnews.gov.za
