The Gauteng IEC, overseeing the province with the highest number of registered voters for the May 29 general election, is prepared, according to Provincial Election Officer Thabo Masemula. The preparations for signing the provincial code of conduct are nearly complete.
Masemula highlighted the constitutional values underpinning South Africa’s democratic process, emphasizing readiness to meet both national and international standards. Gauteng, with 6.5 million registered voters, represents 24% of the electoral roll. The province has finalized lease agreements for 2,797 polling stations, including 203 temporary ones, to enhance accessibility and reduce voter wait times.
Candidate registration has concluded, with 43 political parties and two independent candidates on the provincial ballot, and 41 parties with three independents on the regional ballot. Masemula assured that educational initiatives are being ramped up to address concerns about voter understanding, deploying 207 facilitators across the province for face-to-face voter education.
Masemula also noted comprehensive recruitment efforts, with 8,619 personnel ready to manage polling stations, and an additional 22,832 support staff being trained, prioritizing youth, the unemployed, and women. The IEC has also vetted 127 election observation applications, including 15 from international organizations. Transparency and continued stakeholder communication are pledged to ensure free and fair elections, with results announced post-election.
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