The Electoral Commission officially launched the 2021 Municipal Elections in June, unveiling a mobilisation campaign aimed at encouraging eligible voters to register and participate in the October elections.
The voter registration was moved to the weekend of 31 July to 1 August due to the third wave. All registered voters are urged to check and update their registration details and new voters can register.
“Currently the voters’ roll has 25,75 million registered voters,” said Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo. “Based on population estimates from Statistics South Africa it is estimated that some 15 million eligible voters remain unregistered. Of these about 60% are under the age of 30.
“This is not necessarily a reflection of so-called ‘apathy’ by young people. Young voters have had fewer opportunities to register than older voters – with millions qualifying for registration only over the past 24 months since the last major voter registration drive.
“Secondly, the youth of today are used to operating within a digital and online environment, and frequently seek a more convenient and accessible option for registration. The Electoral Commission is currently working with political parties within the National Party Liaison Committee to finalise alternative and additional modalities for registration, and we hope to make announcements in this regard soon.”
As part of the launch of elections, the Electoral Commission Contact Centre has also been re-activated, on 0800 11 8000, and is operational on weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00, providing assistance to callers in all official languages, and is also available to respond to queries submitted on Twitter (@IECSouthAfrica), Facebook (IECSouthAfrica), email (info@elections.org.za) and webchat at www.elections.org.za.
