The Electoral Commission of South Africa on Tuesday this week launched the 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE 2024) programme, declaring that it is ready to host millions of eligible voters at over 23 296 voting stations across the country.
The NPE 2024 will be historic as independent candidates will, for the first time, be able to contest for seats at the national and provincial elections. President Cyril Ramaphosa assented to the law enabling the participation of independent candidates in April 2023.
The Commission, led by Chairperson Mosotho Moepya and Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo, presided over the launch, which was held at Gallagher Estate, Midrand and attended by various stakeholders, including political parties.
“Today, we stand proud as the pre-eminent Constitutionally-mandated body that manages elections and make bold that we are ready for the NPE 2024,” Mamabolo declared. He explained that while the term of office of the current legislatures – national and nine provincial – ends around 18 May 2023, the national and provincial governments would remain in office until the newly elected public representatives are able to take office.
Mamabolo said that, in terms of the Constitution, the country must have an election within 90 days of the expiry of the legislatures’ terms. “Therefore, an election is possible between May and the middle of August 2024. The proclamation of the election date is by our head of state, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa after consultation with the Electoral commission. Our expectation is that the provincial elections will, as they have for the past 30 years, be synchronised with the national election,” he added.
Mamabolo said that once the Electoral Amendment Act was signed into law by the President, the Commission would move with deliberate speed to finalise the supporting business applications necessary for the implementation of the Act.
VOTER REGISTRATION
Prior to each election, the Electoral Commission launches registration drives aimed at enrolling new voters and empowering existing ones to scrutinise and, where necessary, amend their registration details. These endeavours breathe life into the voters’ roll.
The Commission reiterates its commitment to open nearly 23 296 voting stations for the weekend of 19 and 19 November 2023. This monumental effort not only registers new voters but also facilitates the verification of the roll. Voting station-based registration ensures equitable access to the vote.
Furthermore, the Electoral Commission has expanded registration modalities to enable voters’ continuous enrolment. For those with internet access, registration, inspection, and updates are accessible via https://registertovote.elections.org.za. Voters may also visit local offices or capitalise on various activation campaigns to register and update their information.
MEDIA CAMPAIGN
The theme for the NPE 2024 campaign is “Your Democracy, Own It”. The creative celebrates the fruits of democracy by showcasing different, real-life experiences of young South Africans from all corners of the country. Their stories are told in an epic, emotive and inspirational manner that gives personalised context to democracy as enshrined in our Constitution. The diverse audiences will relate the Electoral Commission’s call-to-action message to celebrate the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s electoral democracy’s by registering and voting in the 2024 elections. The campaign will flight on national television and radio stations, as well as on various digital and social platforms.
The Electoral Commission reiterated its readiness to host and oversee NPE 2024. It issued a clarion call to South Africans to use the online portal for registration, verification, and updates. “We urge you to actively participate in the registration weekends and exercise your responsibility as engaged citizens who choose their own representatives. We extend a call to all electoral stakeholders to stand shoulder to shoulder with us, working collaboratively to make these historic elections a resounding success,” Mamabolo said.
Commission Chairperson Moepya said: “As we gaze upon 2024, an election year of unique significance, marking not only another stride in South Africa’s democratic journey but also celebrating the thirtieth birthday of our electoral democracy, let us remember that democracy is not a destination; it is a perpetual journey. It thrives on our active engagement, reverence for its values, and collective effort to surmount challenges.
“With hope and determination, we embark on this journey, knowing that the next 30 years hold opportunities for growth, unity, and progress. Together, as South Africans, we shall ensure that our electoral democracy continues to shine as a beacon for the world,” said Moepya.
