The election train has begun to leave the station and all must be prepared for the journey, is the caution from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Catch the train or be left behind, said IEC commissioner Dr Nomsa Masuku, as she advised that candidates should continue collecting signatures to be able to qualify and register by the set deadline.
For the upcoming 2024 general election, independent candidates in South Africa are required to submit 1,000 signatures each to be eligible to contest. With the election date announced and the voters’ roll closed, the IEC has set its timetable and highlighted key cut-off times and dates for various activities regarding the elections.
The IEC chief electoral officer, Sy Mamabolo, emphasized the commission’s willingness and ability to deliver this mammoth national project. The publication of the timetable and the cut-off dates serve as an impetus for the intensification of preparations.
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The provisional voters’ roll, which contains 27.6 million voters, has been published for inspection. An electronic version of the roll will be made available at all IEC offices. Those wishing to object to the inclusion or exclusion of a voter on the roll must do so by the specified deadline.
The commission will investigate and determine the objections to the voters’ roll by 11 March. Once all necessary corrections have been made and no further objections remain, the IEC CEO will certify the voters’ roll on 12 March.
In the 2024 general election, the IEC will introduce a third ballot paper due to the inclusion of independent candidates for the first time since 1994. All independents and political parties intending to contest the elections must submit their nomination requirements by 5pm on 8 March.
Compliance notices will be issued on 18 March, giving noncompliant candidates and parties an opportunity to rectify matters by 20 March. In cases where candidates are nominated by more than one party, the parties are expected to either remove and substitute or confirm the candidates. Notices for that will be issued on 22 March.
Political parties have until 25 March to submit their requests for confirmation, removal, or replacement of candidates. The provisional lists of candidates will be published on 26 and 27 March, allowing for objections against certain candidates to be lodged on 27 March.
If anyone or any party is not satisfied with the decision of the commission, they may approach the Electoral Court for an appeal by 2 April. The final lists of candidates will be published on 10 April, and candidates will receive their candidature certificates on 12 April.
The printing of ballot papers for the elections will follow, once all candidates and their photographs have been submitted and confirmed. The IEC has announced that 23,292 voting stations and 33 mobile voting stations will be used for the elections.
For those unable to be at their voting districts on the voting day, 29 May, special votes can be applied for. The special votes will take place on 27 and 28 May, and the application deadline is set for 3 May.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa is committed to ensuring the smooth and fair conduct of the 2024 general election. With the publication of the timetable and adherence to the set deadlines, the IEC aims to provide transparency and equal opportunities for all candidates and voters.
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