IEC To Begin Printing Ballot Papers For May 29 Elections

The Electoral Court rejected cases brought against the commission by five political parties - Operation Dudula, Arise South Africa, Cape Independence Party, Defenders of the People and Independent South Africa National Civic Organization.

These five political parties filed cases against their exclusion from contesting in the upcoming elections on May 29. The parties' respective candidates have been excluded because they don't meet nomination requirements.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) on Sunday welcomed the decision and stated that the Electoral Court's ruling has now allowed the commission to start printing the ballot papers for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

"The Electoral Commission appreciates the hard work of the Electoral Court for bringing these matters to finality. These applications had an immense implication for the production of the ballot papers for the forthcoming elections," the commission said, SA News reported.

The electoral commission also reminded people to apply for special votes as the window will remain open from April 15 to May 3. The commission stressed that sound electoral administration requires voters to vote at the polling station where they are registered.

"However, our framework allows for voters to vote at other voting stations where they are not registered if such voters notify the Commission. Notification for this purpose will close on 17 May 2024," the commissions added.

The Gauteng Electoral Commission will be hosting the signing ceremony of the Electoral Code of Conduct by political parties and independent candidates contesting the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. The signing ceremony will be held on April 23 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.

There will be a total of 52 political parties and independent candidates participating in the Gauteng elections, will publicly vow to follow the Electoral Code of Conduct.

The code serves as a legal tool for ensuring fair elections and demanding strong political leadership. Compliance demonstrates not just IEC's commitment to democracy but also its dedication to organized public affairs.

Last week, the IEC advised voters to carefully review and mark all three ballot papers before placing them into the ballot box. "Our appeal to voters is to remember that they can only put one mark on each ballot, more than one mark will result in a spoiled vote and not counted," IEC said.