IEC to approach Constitutional Court if 2021 local government elections are postponed due to Covid-19
Loading player...
The Electoral Commission (IEC) will approach the Constitutional Court to seek an appropriate remedy should former deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke – who has been tasked with investigating whether it will be viable to hold a free and fair election October – recommend a postponement.
“The commission would have to apply its mind to the report and then come to an independent decision about the necessity to approach the Constitutional Court for authorisation to conduct the elections outside of the constitutionally defined timeline,” said IEC chief executive officer Sy Mamabolo.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in April that the local government elections will take place on October 27, despite the country being in the middle of a deadly pandemic.
While Moseneke has been tasked reviewing a process to determine whether it will be feasible to hold a free and fair elections, the IEC says it is “technically ready” to roll out its plans.
“The commission would have to apply its mind to the report and then come to an independent decision about the necessity to approach the Constitutional Court for authorisation to conduct the elections outside of the constitutionally defined timeline,” said IEC chief executive officer Sy Mamabolo.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in April that the local government elections will take place on October 27, despite the country being in the middle of a deadly pandemic.
While Moseneke has been tasked reviewing a process to determine whether it will be feasible to hold a free and fair elections, the IEC says it is “technically ready” to roll out its plans.
