Voters and candidates can now register for the 2021 local government elections. The IEC believes that all necessary precautions must be taken to ensure a free and fair voting process, while also striving for safety within the restrictions imposed by the current COVID-19 pandemic.

A new registration weekend is now scheduled for the weekend of 18 and 19 September 2021. In accordance with IEC Earlier in the afternoon, the National Party Liaison Commission conducted a meeting. It is evident, parties have different interpretations of whether the Constitutional Court’s judgment allows the Commission to reopen nominations. The Commission has sought guidance on the topic and believes that changing the timeline for reopening nominations is reasonable.

Even though no reasons for the decisions have been disclosed yet, IEC chairperson Glen Mashinini stated on Monday afternoon that the commission had already taken steps to ensure that it complies with the Constitutional Court’s instructions.

He said at a 3 p.m. press conference that “the commission is of the opinion that it must take all necessary measures to ensure the elections are free and fair” in accordance with the Covid-19 restrictions.

“The commission urges, in particular, the young people to make use of this opportunity to register to participate in the vote.”

Political parties and independent candidates are expected to nominate candidates after registration weekend. The commission says they will publish a new timetable following the minister’s proclamation of the election date, says Mamabolo. The proclamation will be made on 20 September, following the voter registration weekend.

However, the Democratic Alliance party is planning to take the matter to court. The DA issued a statement “The IEC cannot be used by the governing party to do its bidding. This is just another manifestation of the evils of State Capture by the ANC of state institutions. The DA will not hesitate to fight the IEC and the ANC in their blatant attempts to manipulate our Constitution and our electoral processes.