IEC wants to ensure independent candidates not disenfranchised on ballot

The Electoral Commission (IEC) says it wants to ensure that independent candidates are not disenfranchised when they are included on the election ballot paper to contest next year’s elections.

But the reality is that lowering the threshold for their participation could result in an unwieldy ballot that will make it difficult for voters to exercise their vote with ease.

Reflecting on this week’s Constitutional Court judgments in Parliament on Friday, Electoral Commission chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, said a longer, and more complicated ballot could also extend the time each voters needs to cast their ballot.

“Taking this all into consideration, the commission will retreat and look at the complexity of the work that is before us. There are certain things we’re empowered to do in law, like extending voting hours and so forth. But there are others that we may not be able to do.”

Moepya said that the Electoral Commission could not amend regulations to go beyond what was prescribed in law.

“Voting day is one day. It’s not a number of days, and that would be an issue we may need to consider when we deal with matters of complexity in this election, when we know how many candidates are going to be contesting. We now know the final form of the ballot and we will need deal with other issues.”

-EWN

In other news – Interesting things you probably didn’t know about beautiful Zahara

Well-known Mzansi singer, Bulelwa Mkutukana lost the fight against liver complications and sadly passed away. Tributes have since been pouring in for the Loliwe hit-maker.

These lesser-known aspects of Zahara’s life shed light on the intriguing journey of the talented South African musician, unveiling both the triumphs and challenges she has faced along the way. Hailing from East London, Zahara’s birth name is Bulelwa Mkutukana. She grew up as the fourth child in a family of six siblings. Read More