IEC Eastern Cape notes very few disruptions during final voter registration weekend

The IEC in the Eastern Cape on Monday said that it was grateful to local residents, who took advantage of this past weekend's general voter registration to visit their stations to register or to update their registration details ahead of the 2019 National and Provincial elections.

"While visiting stations, it was pleasing to see the increased number of young people at the stations expressing an interest in registering," described Kayakazi Magudumana, Eastern Cape Provincial Electoral Officer. 

"A commendable role was played by political parties and other stakeholders who assisted in mobilising people to use this opportunity to go and register.

"Their efforts are greatly appreciated and it would be amiss to not give their contribution acknowledgement."

Magudumana said that challenges were experienced in some areas with protest action by communities and with the assistance of the security services the officials of the organisation were assured of the safety of their lives and IEC equipment.

"Our partnership with the South African Police Services and Government Communication & Information System in our province contributed in a positive way to the success of the registration weekend for which we sincerely thank them," she added.

"Other than one station within the Amahlati Municipality, all others managed to open for either the full duration or part thereof on Sunday.

"Within the entire province, less than 0.7% of the stations never opened at all and we urge particularly these people, to make use of ongoing registration at our offices."

IEC will release voter registration stats on Tuesday

She said that the Electoral Commission will release registration statistics on Tuesday.

"Once again we remind those who missed the opportunity this past weekend, that they are still able to register at the local IEC offices located in all municipalities in the province between 08h00 and 17h00 on weekdays," Magudumana noted.

"This opportunity is only available until the proclamation of the election date by the State President, thereafter registration for the National & Provincial 2019 election ceases."

How to register to vote in the 2019 National and Provincial elections

She reminded residents that:

In order to register, you will need to be:

• A South African citizen
• In possession of a green bar coded ID or a Smart card or a valid temporary identification certificate
• Must be 16 Years or older (although you may only vote at the age of 18 years or older)

"Note that no proof of residence is required in order to register." 

To check your details you can:

• SMS your ID number 32810 (cost R1 per sms) to receive notification of registration details including the voting station you are currently registered in.
• Call 0800 11 8000 (07h00 to 21h00 week days)
• Dial “120”432# and follow the prompts
• Visit the website www.elections.org.za

How do I find my correct voting station?

• You can visit http://maps.elections.org.za/vsfinder/ and locate your correct voting station using the Electoral Commission’s Voting Station Finder App.

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