Applications for special votes go live

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has opened applications for special votes from today until the 3rd of May.

South Africans will be heading to the polls next month, in what has been dubbed the most hotly contested elections post-1994.

The country’s 7th democratic general elections will be momentous as independent candidates will be contesting for the first time in history.

Special votes will take place on the 27th and 28th of May.

Who qualifies for a special vote?

• Eligible voters who can’t travel to their voting stations because they are physically infirm, disabled or pregnant.
• A voter who cannot cast their vote on election day due to various reasons including work, study and travel.

Journalists, IEC officials, and police officers are among the essential workers who qualify for special votes.

Special votes can also be cast at home where an IEC official visits your residence.

Citizens who wish to cast their vote at home will need to apply online at elections.org.za or download/collect the application form and have it delivered to a local IEC office once completed.

Below are three ways you can apply to cast a special vote:

– SMS 32249
– elections.org.za
– At your local IEC office

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the responsibility to ensure that the May 29 elections are a success lies with all members of society.

The President used his weekly newsletter to call on all quarters of society to work together to ensure that nothing undermines the integrity of the elections.

“Above all, it is up to us all to ensure that this hard-won right to vote, for which so many sacrificed so much, is exercised by every eligible citizen in a climate free of intimidation and all forms of violence.”

Ramaphosa says the government, political parties, candidates, voters, the media and civil society organisations have a role to play in inspiring faith in the country’s democracy.

The President is adamant that despite the many challenges the country’s democracy faces – it is in good health.

“Over the past 30 years, we have held elections that are not only free and fair but also peaceful and free of intimidation.”

Ramaphosa has also warned that anyone found to be inciting violence ahead of the general elections will be arrested.

He says the people of South Africa value hard-won stability and don’t want any form of instability.