The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announced on Friday that it had accepted the findings from the Moseneke Report, which recommended that the local government elections be deferred to no later than February 2022.

Earlier this week, former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke advised that the elections would not be free and fair under the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.   

As a result, the IEC will postpone the upcoming voter registration weekend and approach a court to seek the postponement of the elections, which were scheduled for October.

The new dates for the voter registration weekend – which was originally planned for July 31 and August 1 – will be announced.

IEC chairperson Glen Mashinini revealed that negotiations for the vaccination of staff members are at an advanced stage with the Department of Health.

Until a judgment is made on the postponement of the elections, the IEC says planned electoral activities will continue as planned.

“As part of the way forward, the Commission will also consult with key stakeholders regarding the implications of the Report. These include political parties through the Party Liaison Committee structure as well as key State role-players including the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Local Government Elections and the Minister responsible for proclaiming the local government elections,” the IEC said.

The Commission will also consult with Parliament, the South African Local Government Association and National Treasury on the financial implications of the recommendations made in the Report.

The IEC reminds all voters that the online registration facility launched earlier this month will continue to provide a safe, convenient and easy way to register and update registration details.