Eligible South Africans have been urged by government to register to vote and update their addresses on the voters’ roll this weekend.
“Government calls upon all eligible South African voters to visit their voting stations this coming weekend,” said Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) will on Saturday, 10 and Sunday, 11 March, open 22 612 voting registration centres across the country.
In June 2016, the Constitutional Court handed down an order directing the IEC to have a record of addresses for all registered voters before the next General Elections in 2019.
“For the country to have a successful 2019 General Election, the IEC must ensure that its voters’ roll is legitimately updated. We therefore call upon all citizens to play their part by registering and updating their addresses on the voters’ roll,” said Minister Mokonyane.
First time voters, who have been known to be sluggish when it comes to registration, have been particularly called.
“Those who are 17 years old or who will be voting for the first time are called to register. It is your democratic right to vote and make your voice heard. Your contribution to the election process plays an instrumental role in the future of our country,” said Minister Mokonyane.
Voters must visit the voting station in their voting district. The voting stations will be open between 8am and 5pm to assist new voters to register.
To find the correct voting station, members of the public can call the IEC’s contact centre on 0800 11 8000 or go to https://www.elections.org.za/MyIEC/.
The Department of Home Affairs will also be open during the weekend to assist with issuing of temporary identity documents.
“The registration process is significant, as it is the culmination of the values and beliefs of two great struggle stalwarts, namely former President Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu, who fought for a democratic South Africa.
“During this centenary year, let us ‘Be the Legacy’ and protect our hard fought for freedom. We call on all the citizens to go out in their numbers to ensure that their details are correct so that they can exercise their right to vote,” said Minister Mokonyane.
The IEC has 30 June 2018 as its deadline set by the Constitutional Court to ensure that over 26 million voters are registered correctly. – SAnews.gov.za
