IEC uncertain how pandemic will affect November polls
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says it cannot predict how the Covid-19 pandemic will affect participation in the upcoming local government elections.
Voting will take place on the 1st of November following a Constitutional Court ruling that the polls must go ahead this year despite the outbreak.
The commission briefed the media on political party funding matters on Thursday.
The IEC's Janet Love was asked about the impact of the coronavirus crisis on voter turnout - among other things.
"We, of course, are really worried that we archive as greater participation as possible. That is why I think the fact that it is on a Monday we are hoping that the interest of the pollution will make sure that the notion of a long weekend is not the notion but rather the effort and the real commitment to participate."
Only one monetary contribution of R2 000 was made towards the Multi-Party Democracy Fund.
This has been revealed by the IEC when it released its report this afternoon on political party funding declarations.
It says the donation was made in May by citizen, Mr Paul Malcom Graham, who chose not to remain anonymous.
The fund has been set up under the Political Party Funding Act to raise money for represented political parties.
Love says the fund hasn't yet made any allocations.
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