Don't forget to register

SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - The Independent Electoral Commission has welcomed the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the national and provincial elections will be held on 8 May.

The IEC, however, reminds eligible voters that the announcement of the date of the elections is not the same as the proclamation of the elections.

The announcement provides a certain target for final preparations by all stakeholders including the Electoral Commission, political parties and voters.

Eligible voters can still register to vote in the 8 May elections until the day of proclamation of the elections. Voter registration can be done during office hours at the local IEC office at 5 Powrie Street in the centre of Mossel Bay. It is best to call 044 690 3715 before visiting the office to make an appointment.

To register, the IEC requires a green, barcoded South African ID book, smart ID card, or valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC). It cannot accept a passport, driver's licence, certified copy of ID or any other form of ID. Registered voters can also still update and change their registration and provide their address details via the Electoral Commission's "Click, Check and Confirm" facility on its website, www.elections.org.za

Proclamation of the election is a formal, legal action through a government gazette which starts the official election timetable and its associated electoral processes.

These electoral processes include the closing of the voters' roll, the cut-off date for the submission of lists of candidates, certification of the voters roll, opening of special vote applications and so forth. The election timetable will be discussed with political parties and published immediately following the proclamation of elections.

Eligible voters can still register to vote in the 8 May elections until the day of proclamation of the elections.