The Electoral Commission (IEC) has asked the Constitutional Court to urgently hear its request to argue for the delay of local government elections.
The IEC was acting on recommendations of retired deputy chief justice, Dikgang Moseneke, to delay the local government elections set for 27 October this year.
Moseneke led the IEC inquiry into ensuring free and fair elections during Covid-19 and recommended a delay to no later than the end of February next year.
On Wednesday the IEC asked the Constitutional Court to, firstly, hear it on an urgent basis and secondly to condone non-compliance with the ordinary rules for service and “time-periods” regarding elections.
The IEC could only approach the Constitutional Court for a possible postponement once the October dates were proclaimed.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma proclaimed the 2021 local government elections for 27 October 2021.
In the unlikely event that the Constitutional Court declines the IEC application, Chairperson Glen Mashinini has assured that the commission remains technically ready for the 2021 local government elections.
