Voter registration closes TODAY
The IEC has reimnded voters that voter registration for the 2024 elections close at midnight, 23 February. Have you registered to vote?
South Africans eligible to vote have until midnight Friday, 23 February, to register or update their information before the voter registration closes.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says Friday is also the day of the proclamation of the General Election 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Provincial Premiers will proclaim Election Day, 29 May 2024, during the day.
ALSO READ: How to register online to vote for the 2024 elections
HISTORIC 30TH YEAR OF ELECTORAL DEMOCARCY
“The 2024 general elections are historic in that they mark the 30th year of electoral democracy. We do not wish for any eligible citizen to miss out on this historic democratic process,” says Electoral Commission, Sy Mamabolo,
According to City Press, the IEC has already registered over 500 parties, with over 70 added in the last two years alone.
CONCERNS OVER SIZE OF BALLOT PAPER
Mamabolo has expressed concerns about the ballot size in the upcoming national and provincial elections on 29 May.
Speaking to the SABC, Mamabolo said, “One of the biggest components is the ballot paper. As I speak to you now, I am not certain how many political parties are going to be contesting, how many independents are going to make it, or what size ballot paper we are going to be using.”
ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION PORTAL FUNCTIONAL AND RELIABLE – IEC
The IEC said the online voter registration portal, registertovote.elections.org.za, is functional and has proven to be the most effective method to update their details from the comfort of their homes, workplaces, and communities.
Citizens have until midnight to use the platform for voter registration and update their particulars. Citizens out of the country also have the same voter registration platform until midnight.
IEC STAFF MEMBERS ON HIGH ALERT TO ASSIST TO VOTERS
During these last few hours, Mamabolo also assured South Africans that the Electoral Commission staff members are on high alert to assist voters at IEC offices in various municipalities.
“Voters can also reach out to our Chat-bot on the 0600 88 00 00 WhatsApp line, and you can reach 0800118000, our call center,” said the IEC. Citizens may also visit the IEC’s offices in all municipalities to register to vote, remaining operational until 4:00 pm.