President Zuma requests Chief Justice to fill vacancy in the IEC

10 September 2014

President Jacob Zuma has, in terms of Section 6 of the Electoral Commission Act (Act No 51 of 1996), requested Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng to start the processes of filling the vacancy that has arisen in the Electoral Commission as a result of the resignation of Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission, Advocate Pansy Tlakula.

Section 6(2) and (4) of the Act provide for a panel consisting of the Chief Justice as Chairperson, the Public Protector, a representative of the Commission on Gender Equality and a representative of the SA Human Rights Commission to recommend candidates to the National Assembly.

President Zuma has thanked former Chairperson Adv Tlakula for many years of diligent service to the nation and in ensuring successful and efficient elections during her tenure as Chief Electoral Officer and also as Chairperson.

"We thank Adv Tlakula most profusely for her dedication and contribution in strengthening constitutional democracy and promoting democratically electoral processes in our country during your tenure. Her leadership and direction has not only enabled our citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote diligently, but also successfully ensured free, fair, transparent and credible elections in our country," said President Zuma.

The President wished Adv Tlakula success in her future endeavours.

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, September 11 2014

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