IEC approaches court to postpone by-elections amid Covid-19 spike
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has approached
the Electoral Court to allow it to postpone the latest rounds of by-elections.
This follows the implementation of adjusted level 3 lockdown restrictions which have re-introduced prohibitions on political activities.
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The IEC wants the court to allow it to postpone by-elections scheduled for 20 January, 3 February and 17 February across 10 municipalities in six provinces.
Spokesperson Kate Bapela says the ban on political activities make it impossible to hold free and fair elections.
“The Electoral Commission noted that even though many of the preparations for the by-elections have been concluded, and protocols are in place for the safe conducting of elections as piloted in November and December, the regulations prohibiting political activities will seriously hamper campaigning by candidates and political parties.”
The court application also seeks to extend the 90-day period within which by-elections of councillor vacancies must take place.
Bapela says all political parties are in support of the postponement.
“By-elections scheduled for 3 March by-elections currently remain on track. However, the commission notes that voter registration is scheduled for 23 to 24 January and parties and candidates may be hindered from undertaking proper preparations for the registration weekend given the current regulations.”
