Electoral commission approaches electoral court for postponement of by elections as second wave of covid-19 sees political gathering prohibited.
Sekhukhune
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has continuously approached the electoral court postpone by-election.
This comes after the country moved back to the covid-19 level 3 lockdown restrictions which have re-introduced prohibitions on political activities.
In a statement released by the commission, it is seeking the court’s approval to postpone by-elections scheduled for January 20th to February 3rd on the basis that the latest regulations curtail political activities impearling the freeness and fairness of the elections.
“The commission has further noted that even though many of the preparations for the by-elections have been concluded, and protocols are in place for the safe conducting of elections as piloted in November and December,” statement read
“The regulations prohibiting political activities will seriously hamper campaigning by candidates and political parties,” said the IEC.
The court application seeks to extend the 90 day period within which by-elections of councillor vacancies must take place for the following by-elections.
