In response to the announcement by the President on the resignation of Commissioner Taljaard

The Commission has noted the announcement by the President on the resignation of Commissioner Raenette Taljaard.

During her tenure as Commissioner since 2011, Commissioner Taljaard has made an invaluable contribution to the work of the Electoral Commission and to deepening electoral democracy both at home, on the African continent and around the world.

As a part-time commissioner, Ms Taljaard always prioritised the work of the Electoral Commission and provided strong leadership, unquestionable integrity and strategic insight. Her impact and input will be sorely missed at all levels of the organisation.

The Commission wishes her all the very best in her academic pursuits and future endeavours and trusts that she will continue to make a mark on the democratic landscape of our country.

In terms of continuity, the Commission continues to be served by three commissioners whom together constitute a quorum allowing it to pursue its essential work of delivering free and fair elections to South Africa with its current priority being preparing for the municipal elections scheduled for 2016.

The Commission looks forward to returning to full strength when it welcomes the new commissioners as proposed by the panel of interviewers led by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, recommended by the National Assembly and appointed by the President.

Statement issued by the Commissioners of the Electoral Commission, February 27 2015

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