IEC all geared up for ‘Super Wednesday’ by-elections

It’s all systems go as the by-elections are expected to get underway across the country on Wednesday, 11 November 2020. This will see 400 candidates battle it out for 95 wards across 55 municipalities. The elections had to be put on hold between March and September 2020, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 600 000 people have been registered to vote in this election – 20 000 were eligible for a special vote on Tuesday, 10 November.

South Africans have been urged to:

• Only cast their ballots at a voting  station where they are registered
• Bring their green barcoded ID document or smartcard ID
• Wear a mask and observe social distancing at all times
• Bring their own pen

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which presides over the election, said it was confident that the by-elections will be free, fair and safe.

A total of 40 political parties with a total of 444 candidates certified as contestants, will be taking part. This includes 19 independent candidates.

IEC: All plans in place to ensure fair election

The IEC’s Chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said however budget cuts had affected the commission’s operations and further called on registered voters to come out in their numbers to ensure the credibility of election.

“The Electoral Commission is confident that all logistical, human resource and safety preparations are in place to ensure free, fair and safe elections on Wednesday. Or course, adequate planning and preparations are necessary but not sufficient for successful elections. We also need voters to turn out in numbers to participate to give credibility and legitimacy to the outcome – especially in ward by-elections where victory can be determined by a handful of votes,” Mamabolo said.

“Wednesday’s by-elections are our first under COVID conditions. Unfortunately, they will not be the last. These by-elections are a test for all stakeholders ahead of future by-elections and for next year’s Local Government Elections. With everyone’s cooperation we believe this week’s by-elections will provide a successful template for the planning and holding of free, fair and safe elections in the future”

IEC’s Chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo

Both the Democratic Alliance (DA) and African National Congress (ANC) campaigned in iso in the West Rand of Gauteng, a week before by-elections.

The results of the by-elections will be announced on Thursday, 12 November 2020.