IEC ready for elections despite COVID-19

South Africa’s Constitution does not provide for delayed local elections.

The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa made this clear to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional

Affairs this week. Some opposition parties wanted the elections delayed because they say lockdown has limited their ability to campaign, and the

country is still in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the IEC made it clear that it must be ready to deliver free and fair elections when called upon

to do so, because the Constitution doesn’t provide for an alternative. Sy Mamabolo, the Chief Electoral Officer at the IEC says the current five-year term

comes to an end on 3 August, and within 90 days of this date elections must take place.

(PHOTO: FLICKR)