The Electoral Commission of South Africa has recently responded to concerns raised by the Good Party regarding the registration of voters in the George Municipality. These concerns were related to a series of by-elections held on 20th July 2023 in which the Good Party lodged an unsuccessful application to postpone the election.
Alleged Incident and Court Decision
The controversy arose due to 174 voters sharing a common address in Pacaltsdorp, a suburb within the municipality. However, the court dismissed the Good Party’s application, allowing the by-elections to proceed.
Investigation and Findings
To dispel doubts and maintain transparency, the Electoral Commission conducted a thorough investigation and found that the 174 voters were validly registered in the relevant voting district and ward. The Commission clarified that these individuals were not new entrants to the electoral roll and many had participated in previous elections.
The Commission also confirmed that none of the 174 voters were registered using electronic platforms, and an error led to the allocation of a common address when verifying ward boundaries as part of the standard procedure for by-elections.
Legal Interventions for Fair Elections
The Electoral Commission has implemented several legal interventions since the 2016 Constitutional order to ensure the freeness and fairness of elections. One of these measures involves providing contestants with the electoral roll ahead of by-elections. No objections were lodged within the stipulated time frame prior to the George Municipality by-elections.
Encouraging Transparency and Fairness
The Electoral Commission encourages political parties and contestants who suspect electoral misconduct to approach the appropriate authorities, including the Electoral Commission itself, law enforcement agencies, or the Electoral Court. The Commission is urging all eligible South African voters to register for the upcoming 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
Voter Registration and Fraud Alert
Voters are advised to register or confirm their details on the official Electoral Commission website (www.elections.org.za). However, they should also remain vigilant against fraudulent websites advertising voter registration and job vacancies on behalf of the Electoral Commission. Genuine job vacancies can be found on the official website and social media pages.
By addressing the Good Party’s concerns and reaffirming its commitment to fair elections, the Electoral Commission has demonstrated the importance of transparency and trust in South Africa’s democratic processes. This incident should serve as a valuable reminder for citizens to stay informed and engaged in the electoral process, ensuring that democracy remains vibrant and effective in the country.
