Pretoria – The Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Pauline Williams, says the province will hold safe and secure Local Government Elections.
“It is all systems go for the province and we are ready to hold safe, secure, free and fair elections for the people in the Northern Cape. Preparations are on track for the 2016 Local Government Elections from 1 - 3 August 2016, where all eligible members of the community will exercise their democratic right and cast their vote for the party and candidate of their choice.
“We call on eligible community members to go out in their numbers to cast their vote without fear, while our plea is also for parties and candidates to be tolerant. Every voter has a right to elect a candidate or party of their choice.
“We have also assessed SAPS’ state of readiness in the province and we are confident that they are ready and will ensure protection for voters during this time. We don’t doubt the level of commitment of SAPS’ officials towards their work in safe-keeping communities, especially during this crucial time of the Local Government Elections,” MEC Williams said.
She said they will not shy away from engaging the police and recommending corrective measures where there is a need.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) identified 710 registration points, inclusive of tents, for the province.
The police will support electoral staff, secure polling stations during and after the elections, address disruptive actions, identify high risk areas and secure electioneering material.
Government has also warned that it will not tolerate actions aimed at disrupting the elections or disenfranchising voters.
The IEC has 26 333 3535 million voters on the national voters’ roll. This is approximately 77 percent of the eligible voting population. – SAnews.gov.za
