IEC outlines election day dos and don’ts - TimesLIVE

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has reminded political parties and municipal councillors of the legal regulations surrounding campaigning as the country heads to the polls today.

Voting stations opened nationwide at 7am and are scheduled to close at 9pm.

According to the IEC, voting has commenced smoothly across the country, with all stations successfully opening and no major glitches reported.

Briefing the media at the national results operations centre (ROC) on Wednesday, IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya outlined the key dos and don’ts for election day.

Moepya emphasised that the only permissible political activity within the boundaries of a voting station is the casting of ballots.

Clarifying the rules on campaigning outside voting station grounds, Moepya said South African law does not impose a total ban on political activity on election day.

“The law does not enforce campaign silence on election day. However, any person who contravenes the legal framework will be guilty of an offence and, on conviction, liable to a fine or imprisonment for up to five years,” Moepya said.

The commission urged all political parties, candidates and voters to strictly adhere to the regulations.

“These provisions are intended to ensure voters can freely exercise their right to vote, while allowing low-key campaigning to continue without the disruption of organised public events,” Moepya said.

Voters are encouraged to verify their registration details and voting station locations before heading out to vote.