According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), there are 26 701 South Africans eligible to vote abroad, with the highest number being registered in London (9 863) followed by 1 539 in Dubai and 1 243 in Canberra. The total number of votes abroad is estimated to account ...
From smart phones to advanced military technology, the computer era is well and truly upon us, yet when it comes to voting, the clock seems to turn back time. Brazil, India and France (to name a few) have been successful applicants in the quest for electronic voting. However, South Africa ...
With only a week to go until Election Day (7 May), the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has been very busy rolling out security plans so that voting runs smoothly on the day. The People’s Assembly spoke to Courtney Sampson, Western Cape Electoral Officer, about some of the IEC’s ...
By Simon Williamson
There's a lot more to this election in Gauteng than the Premier's race.
After we’ve all gone and voted, the Independent Electoral Commission shunts the numbers through a formula to determine who gets how many seats in the next National Assembly, and all the provincial legislatures. It ...
With the final push for votes happening with a few days left until elections, many artists and famous persons are lending their names to political parties through a series of rallies and strategic appearances. Musical acts such as Freshly Ground and actors such as Zolisa Xavula (Jason from SABC’s Generations) ...
Some people may be unaware that South African general elections are predominantly run by volunteers. All they receive is a small stipend for subsistence and travel. According to Western Cape Electoral Officer Courtney Sampson, the 1578 polling stations and 2.941 million voters registered in the Western Cape will be attended ...
In terms of preparation for the election, Courtney Sampson, Provincial Electoral officer for the IEC in the Western Cape told Peoples Assembly, “The IEC works according to a very strict timetable that is legislated. As soon as an election is called, that timetable kicks into place. The timetable determines the ...
With the 2014 elections fast approaching, some media reports have bemoaned levels of voter apathy in South Africa, with The Citizen declaring “SA Voter Apathy Worrying” (The Citizen, 4 March, 2014) and The Star calling for “Change Needed to Fight Voter Apathy” (The Star, 7 November 2013). But while ...
In an opinion piece published in City Press last year, outspoken writer TO Molefe boldly declared that he was going to spoil his ballot in protest during the upcoming elections. He explained that many people have reacted in shock to his decision.
“Others think I lose my right to complain ...
On Monday 31 March, My Vote Counts (MVC) and sixty mass-based organisations and NGOs including the Awethu! Platform, Black Sash, Right2Know campaign, Corruption Watch, Open Democracy Advice Centre, Western Cape Religious Leaders Forum, sent a letter to 14 political parties requesting they reveal their private funders.
According to the letter, ...