IEC launches 2024 general election campaign

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says it's all systems go for the national and provincial elections next year. CEO Sy Mamabolo says the commission will be ready for any date declared for the poll. It's expected to be held between May and August. "The authority for setting the election date rests with the President of the Republic after consulting with the commission. Those consultations have commenced but yet to be concluded. "As similar framework obtains in respect of provincial legislatures, wherein the provincial premiers are entrusted responsibility to call and set the date after consulting with the commission." The IEC has launched its 2024 election campaign on Tuesday. Mamabolo says independents will be on the ballot for the first time in 30 years. "At the high level, some of the implications of the revisions to the electoral systems are as follows: As a novel reality individuals not affiliated to political parties can stand as candidates for legislatures at both national and provincial level. "A reality set in motion by the Electoral Amendment Act which was signed into law in April of this year."