The Commission is preparing to comply with the Constitutional Court orders
6 September 2021
The Commission has already taken measures to ensure that it complies with the orders of the Constitutional Court relating to the conduct of municipal elections by 1 November 2021. Although the orders were handed down without a reasoned judgement at this stage, it is important that the Commission proceeds with deliberate speed to comply with the decision of the Constitutional Court in the fulfilment of its mandate, notwithstanding current circumstances.
The Commission is of the view that it must take all necessary measures to ensure an electoral process that is free and fair, striving for safety within the constraints occasioned by the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission calls on all role-players, especially political parties, to co-operate to ensure that the election proceeds within a calm environment where voters can exercise their right to vote and make their choices without undue impediments.
In order to give impetus to the preparations of the elections, the Commission met over the weekend to assess whether a registration weekend can be practical before the elections. Having considered and deliberated on the matter, the Commission has made a determination that a registration weekend is a necessity ahead of this general election. Therefore, a registration weekend is now scheduled for the weekend of 18 and 19 September 2021.
This registration weekend will offer all eligible citizens an opportunity to register or update their registration details. All the 23 151 voting stations will open at 08h00 until 17h00 on both days. The Commission urges young people in particular to take advantage of this opportunity to register and eventually vote.