Dikgang Moseneke to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on upcoming Local Government Elections
On 20 May 2021, the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), Glen Mashinimi, announced the appointment of former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke to lead a process to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on conditions conducive for the holding of free and fair elections later this year.
Justice Moseneke will undertake an urgent appraisal of all the relevant legal, socio-political, health, practical and other considerations and submit a report to the IEC during July 2021. In addition to assessing the various factors, the report may also make recommendations of additional measures to further fortify the integrity and safety of the elections.
The request to Justice Moseneke is in line with section 14(4) of the Electoral Commission Act of 1996, which allows the IEC, should it deem necessary, to publish a report on the likelihood or otherwise that it will be able to ensure elections will be free and fair.
While this process is underway, the IEC will continue with all its preparations to hold the elections on 27 October 2021 as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The press release of the IEC can be accessed here.
Please note: The information contained in this note is for general guidance on matters of interest, and does not constitute legal advice. For any enquiries, please contact us at [email protected].