HOT TOPIC: Should prisoners have the right to vote in South Africa?
Nearly 15 000 registered prisoners have the right to vote in South Africa next week. Do you believe this is correct?
Did you know that convicted prisoners have the right to vote in South Africa if they were registered before admission to a correctional facility?
It is so stated in Section 24B of the Electoral Act.
The aforementioned says convicted prisoners are indeed entitled to vote in elections for the National Assembly and Provincial Legislature.
Therefore, with just days to go to Wednesday 29 May’s general election, those serving time – no matter the crime – will not be denied the opportunity to cast their votes, reports The Citizen.
PRISONERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE IN SOUTH AFRICA
According to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), nearly 15 000 prisoners have the right to vote in South Africa next week.
As a result, the DSC announced its plans for readiness with assistance and regulation of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
Moreover, the commission has also outlined the following key goals for the most important vote in 30-years of South African democracy:
- How 2024 IEC vote rigging is ‘impossible’, says commission
- Details on SASSA 2024 election day payments
- HOW much funding South Africa’s political parties received in 2024
- HOW the IEC will count your vote in 2024
- What the IEC will do to snuff out voter fraud in 2024
SAFETY AND LOGISTICAL CHALLENGE
The DSC says 14 753 inmates will participate in the electoral process in 2024. And in close collaboration with the IEC, the DCS will execute all logistical aspects of the process.
“We will ensure a conducive environment for the electoral commission to fulfil its mandate,” says the department.
On the day, the department will provide ballot papers and secure voting booths.
Plus, essential logistics in and out of various correctional facilities will be critical.
Moreover, the prisons have to handle the safe transfer and placement of inmates to ensure their right to vote is not impeded.
It must also do so without putting prison staff or the general public in danger, risking the chance of any prison breaks.
Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola said independent observers will be permitted to monitor the electoral process within correctional facilities.
Likewise, political parties are allowed to observe the voting process, within reasonable security considerations under IEC regulations.
