Fellow citizens of South Africa,
Members of the media,
Representatives of political parties,
Independent candidates,
Observers from across the globe,
Esteemed guests,
As we stand on the eve of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections,
allow me to express the profound gratitude of the Electoral Commission for the
unwavering commitment of all South Africans to upholding the sacred principles
of our democracy.
Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture, where the road to these
historic elections approaches its final and most critical stages. An important
milestone was reached on 18 May when the first votes in the NPE2024 were cast.
A total of 56,800 votes were cast at 111 foreign missions around the
world. Those registered to vote at the London voting station were given an
extra day – May 19 – because of the high number of voters registered there.
On 27 May and 28 May, the Commission will accept Special Votes from the
1,668,076 South Africans who were approved for this category of votes. The
Commission will visit 624,593 voters at their homes or places of confinement,
and 1,043,483 will be assisted at voting stations where they are registered.
The provinces with the most approved special votes for both home visits
and voting station visits are Gauteng (335,480), KwaZulu-Natal (320,010),
Eastern Cape (286,059), Limpopo (159,800), Western Cape (137,558), North West
(132,627), Mpumalanga (126,112), Free State (86,908), and Northern Cape
(83,504).
It is important to point out that in addition to our trained staff,
agents from political parties and independent candidates, as well as accredited
observers, will be present when the special votes are cast.
As we embark on this momentous journey, we find inspiration in the
unwavering commitment of our staff, who will be present at all 23,303 voting
stations, diligently attending to the needs of those unable to visit the
stations, ensuring a seamless and inclusive voting experience for all. The
appointment of 202,500 voting officials, including a new category of staff
dedicated to enhancing the counting quality, underscores our resolute
dedication to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
The Commission takes immense pride in announcing the completion of
ballot printing and delivery of over 90 million ballots meticulously prepared
for this historic occasion. Voters will be presented with three ballot papers:
The National Compensatory Ballot for political parties, the Provincial Ballot,
and the Regional Ballot for parties and independent candidates. We remind all
voters of the sacred principle: "One ballot, One Mark."
As we approach the grand finale of this electoral odyssey, the
Commission today launches the National Results Operation Centre - a theatre of
electoral transparency. Housed at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand,
Johannesburg, the ROC will serve as the beating heart of our democratic
process, bringing together Commission members, operational areas,
representatives of political parties and independent candidates, observer
missions, and media representatives from across the globe. There will be ROCs
across all the nine provinces.
It is with great honour that we welcome a record-breaking 160
organisations, collectively deploying over 5 000 observers from around the
world, to witness and validate the integrity of our electoral process. This
includes esteemed international bodies such as the African Union, The Carter
Centre Democracy Program, and the International Institute for Democracy and
Electoral Assistance, alongside a legion of domestic observers committed to
upholding the principles of transparency and accountability.
In our pursuit of inclusivity, we have implemented measures to ensure
that the voting process is accessible to all South Africans, regardless of
physical abilities. In collaboration with the South African National Council
for the Blind, we have developed the Universal Ballot Template, a voting aid
designed to empower persons with disabilities and special needs to exercise
their democratic right independently and with utmost secrecy.
As we approach this historic moment, we remind all voters of the sacred
principle that governs our elections: a person votes at the voting station
where they are registered. The only exception to this rule is for those who
have duly notified the Commission of their intention to vote outside their
registered voting district.
In conclusion, I call upon all South Africans, both at home and abroad,
to answer the clarion call of democracy and participate in this defining moment
for our nation. To the media, political party leaders, and all stakeholders,
let us foster an environment rooted in trust, integrity, and respect, setting
an example for generations to come.
The Electoral Commission stands resolute in its commitment to declaring
an election outcome that is a true reflection of the choices made by the South
African people – the custodians of our democracy. For it is your democracy, and
you must truly own it!
May the spirit of unity, peace, and patriotism guide us as we embark on
this historic journey, ensuring that the will of the people remains the
unwavering foundation upon which our nation's future is built.
Thank you