The Electoral Commission confirms that the date of the 2024 general elections was proclaimed by the President and all the provincial Premiers on Friday, 23 February 2024. The proclamation of the election date has certain legal consequences for the electoral process. The first major implication is that the voters’ roll has now closed.
On 26 February 2024, the Electoral Commission (IEC) announced that political parties had been given sufficient time to comply with the signature requirements for standing in the elections. On the same day, it published the election timetable, announcing 29 May 2024 as the election date and stating that voter registration had been completed..All independent candidates and political parties who intend to contest this general election must submit nomination requirements by 17:00 on 8 March 2024. The Electoral Commission will, after verifying the submitted nomination documents, issue notices on non-compliance where such are warranted. These notices will be issued on 18 March 2024 and those issued with such notices must rectify non-compliance by 20 March 2024.
“The date of the general elections was proclaimed by the president of the Republic and all the provincial Premiers of February 23 2024. The proclamation has set some legal consequences affecting the electoral process. The most important implication is that the voter rolls are now closed…Voter verification as well as other validations are currently underway to ensure that there is compliance with the provisions of the law as they relate to eligibility to vote. ”
Sy Mamabolo, IEC chief electoral officer – South Africa
An electronic version of the voters’ roll will be made available at all offices of the Commission for inspection purposes. Those who wish to object to the inclusion or exclusion of a voter on the voters’ roll must do so by 4 March 2024. The objections received on or before 4 March 2024 will be considered, investigated and determined by the Commission by 11 March 2024.
“As regards the voting public, the focal point is assessing the voting process through some arrangements including dates, for applications for special votes. ”
Sy Mamabolo, IEC chief electoral officer – South Africa
In general elections, South Africans vote for a party and not for a presidential candidate. Parties are then allocated seats in the 400-member parliament according to their share of the vote, and MPs elect the president.
