Friday is the last day to register to vote in the 2024 elections, IEC warns

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has issued a reminder to unregistered eligible voters, informing them that they have until Friday, February 23, 2024, to register and verify their registration status. This deadline also applies to individuals who have changed their residential addresses. The announcement follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's declaration that the 2024 general elections will take place on May 29, 2024. To ensure a smooth electoral process, the IEC has been allocated an additional R2.3 billion by the Treasury and has pledged to spare no effort in preparing for election day. The IEC reported that its voter registration initiatives, including general registration weekends, overseas voter registration drives, campus activations, and registration drives within correctional services centers, have been successful. Currently, the voters' roll for the 2024 general elections comprises 27.6 million voters. Individuals who still need to register or update their address details are encouraged to visit their local municipality office of the Electoral Commission or utilize the online voter registration portal at registertovote.elections.org.za. Alternatively, they can reach out to the IEC's chat bot on the WhatsApp line at 0600 88 00 00. Following the announcement of the election date, the IEC is expected to publish the Election Timetable in the Government Gazette after consulting with the National Party Liaison Committee. This timetable will outline various deadlines for key electoral activities, including certification of the voters' roll, publication of voting station details, submission of candidates' nominations, applications for special votes, and other relevant processes.