Pretoria - Government has thanked South Africans for turning up to register to vote in next year’s general elections.
Acting Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) CEO, Phumla Williams, said: “Government congratulates the 1 088 015 people who registered for the first time to vote for the 2014 South African elections last weekend. Registering to vote is the first step to ensure that your voice and opinion is counted.
“Every South African has a right and responsibility to play an active role in electing their representatives. Through free and fair elections, South Africa has for the past 19 years enjoyed the fruits of democracy.”
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) held a voter registration drive last weekend, where a total of 1.7 million people used the opportunity to change their existing registration to different voting stations, and about 253 098 re-registered at their current voting stations.
South Africans who are eligible to vote, especially those aged 18 and 19, who have not yet registered to vote, can still do so by making an appointment to register during office hours at their nearest Municipal Electoral Office.
Citizens can also contact the IEC call centre on 0800 11 8000 for further information.
“As the country celebrates its 20 years of freedom, citizens are encouraged to exercise their democratic right and register to vote. Each and every vote contributes to strengthening our democracy,” said Williams. - SAnews.gov.za
