South Africa
South Africa prepares for municipal elections 

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Dr Brigalia Bam, yesterday stated that he was "extremely delighted that the date for the municipal elections is in terms of our electoral period, which means that the Electoral Commission is ready and able to deliver on its mandate." The Electoral Commission is satisfied that the election date of 5 December 2000 leaves sufficient time to deliver the municipal elections, the Chairperson said.

As afrol.com reported yesterday, a Committee established by Government and Traditional Leaders just had completed its task and it presented its report to Government this morning. The government and traditional leaders for years have been discussing the new municipality boundaries, which the chiefs say will deprive them of their powers. 

South African Government has decided to further study the report and decided on a course of action. President Thabo Mbeki met with the Committee to receive its conclusions. Although satisfied with the fact that there was reached an agreement, Mbeki expressed disappointment that there had not been found long-term solutions to how traditional leaders should maintain their powers side by side with elected municipal bodies. The conclusion of the Committee's work was the direct cause of the announcement of election dates.

Government "decided to agree to delay the announcement of the election date in order to create conditions which would be congenial to the holding of free and fair elections," Minister Sydney Mufamadi (Department of Provincial and Local Government) confirmed. "Needless-to-say, the conflict which was casting its shadow over parts of the country was going to create conditions that would not allow for the free expression of the will of the people, and would possibly negate our efforts at creating the necessary framework of co-operation between popularly elected public representatives and Traditional Leaders."

The ruling party, African National Congress (ANC), also welcomed the announcement by Minister Mufamadi. "The announcement clears the air once and for all and gives each political party, including our own, the opportunity to kick off our campaign for the epoch-making local government elections which will usher in a new era in local governance in our country," an ANC spokesperson stated.

Mr Ebrahim Rasool of Western Cape ANC stated that "we are ready for December 5th. Despite initial frustrations at the postponement, we believe it was important that our National Minister engage with traditional leaders to allay their fears and concerns."

- Our commitment to provide a certain amount of free water and electricity to poor residents in ANC councils, and our determination to fight poverty has been very well received at grassroots level. We go into this election with the best plan, the most non-racial, inclusive and competent team of candidates and feel that the ANC has the most to offer all voters in the province" added Mr Rasool.

Election campaigns thus already have started, in practical terms. The ANC launched its election manifesto in Beaufort West this weekend. Old allies, however, were not impressed with the ruling party. "The PAC believes if anything belongs in the country's trash can it is the ANC's election manifesto," Pan Africanist Congress leader Dr Stanley Mogoba already has stated, according to the Mail and Guardian.

Election timetable
The Electoral Commission states that it will work with an election timetable that outlines and give time frames for the following processes: 

* Certification of the National Common Voters' Roll to be used for the municipal elections;
* Notification by political parties of their intention to participate in the municipal elections;
* Submission of candidates' and party lists and payment of deposits
* Nomination of ward and party candidates;
* Issuing of certificates to persons whose names appear on a party list and to each ward candidate;
* Providing information on fixed and mobile voting stations.

"We are ready to deliver a good election. Our systems are in place and we have rolled out our voter education drive throughout the country to prepare South Africans to participate in the election and make informed choices on voting day," said the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

A massive voter awareness campaign has been launched by the Electoral Commission to inform voters about when, where and how to vote. "The objectives of the Electoral Commission's communication campaign are to increase voter turnout, reduce the number of spoilt ballots, optimise enfranchisement and build an informed and empowered electorate for success of the municipal elections," Dr Bam of the Electoral Commission said.

Source: South African Govt. sources

© afrol.com. Texts and graphics may be reproduced freely, under the condition that their origin is clearly referred to, see Conditions.    You can contact us at mail@afrol.com