IEC targets young voters for registration
THE Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says it is focusing its mobilisation campaign on attracting young and eligible voters to participate in the upcoming local government elections.
The commission officially launched the 2021 municipal elections last week, unveiling its efforts to encourage eligible voters to register and participate in the October elections.
This campaign has already begun locally, with the King Cetshwayo district IEC team targeting university campuses, high schools, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
An estimated 15 million eligible voters are unregistered
'The campaign is ongoing and we have visited a number of schools in the district to conduct voter education, and to encourage young and first-time voters to register and vote in the elections,' said King Cetshwayo IEC regional chairperson Stella Dlamini.
The district team has, since the beginning of May, visited more than 40 high schools in the uMhlathuze, uMfolozi, Nkandla, Mthonjaneni and uMlalazi municipalities.
Speaking at last week's official launch of the municipal elections, chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said the national voters’ roll contains 25.75 million registered voters at present.
‘Based on population estimates from Statistics South Africa, it is estimated that some 15 million eligible voters remain unregistered.
'Of these, about 60% are under the age of 30. This is not necessarily a reflection of so-called ‘apathy’ by young people.
‘Young voters have had fewer opportunities to register than older voters – with millions only qualifying
for registration in the past 24 months since the last major voter registration drive,’ he said.
He further appealed to young people to take up the mantle of supporting democracy, from previous generations.
'Our responsibility today is equally critical but vastly easier than their sacrifices: firstly, we must register to vote and ensure our registration particulars are up to date.
'Secondly, we must actively participate in the coming elections. And thirdly, we must at all times be safe and consider the safety of others,' he said.
Mamabolo said they are planning to introduce innovative and modern ways for the youth to participate.
‘The youth of today are used to operating within a digital and online environment, and frequently seek a more convenient and accessible option for registration.
‘The Electoral Commission is currently working with political parties within the National Party Liaison Committee to finalise alternative and additional modalities for registration, and we hope to make announcements in this regard soon,’ said Mamabolo.