IEC requests to have voting day declared public holiday

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo says they have written to Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, asking him to make a request to the president to declare November 1 a holiday.

"This intervention is aimed at affording all voters an equal footing to participate in the elections without being encumbered by business and employment considerations on the day of voting."

The IEC says it's also aware of threats of disruptions during the registration weekend.

Mamabolo says they've noted reports of unhappiness over the candidate nomination process.

"We have been working with NATJOINTS (The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure). We also had a priority committee meeting this morning where possible hotspots have been identified. They have been handed over to the South African Police Service.

"So everybody should now be interrupted. If you are unhappy about any other process, be it from a political party or from the municipality or any matter, it does not grant you a right to disrupt the registration process." 

Mamabolo says plans are on schedule ahead of this weekend's voter registration for the local government elections.

Mamabolo says as of Thursday morning, just over 156 000 online registrations had been logged on their system.

He says those wanting to physically register can do so at voting station, adding all Covid-19 safety protocols will be in place.

"All registration staff and stations have been provided with the following items for use: disposable face mask, disposable cardboard bins, sanitiser wipes, hand sanitisers, disinfectant fogger sprays and social distancing markers."

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