Pretoria - With less than a month to go before the Local Government Elections, operations are in place to create a safe and secure environment for elections.
Cabinet, at its ordinary meeting this week, was briefed on aspects of safety and security for the 2016 Municipal Elections.
“Through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), operations are in place to create a safe and secure environment to ensure that people in South Africa are and feel safe.
“This is key in contributing towards the credibility of the upcoming elections,” said Cabinet in a statement.
In addition, the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Legal Aid Board have entered into the Local Government Elections Integrated Case Management Protocol to enforce the Electoral Offences Act.
South Africans will go to the polls on 3 August 2016. President Jacob Zuma has declared the day as a public holiday to enable all eligible and registered voters to vote freely on the day.
Cabinet appealed to voters to ensure peaceful elections.
“While the IEC [Electoral Commission] will endeavour to ensure that elections are free and fair, it is the primary responsibility of all the stakeholders, including communities and political parties.
“Cabinet would like to urge all South Africans to ensure peace and calm ahead of, during and post the 2016 Local Government Elections. Law enforcement agencies will not tolerate any disruptive actions aimed at disenfranchising voters,” it said.
Registered voters who will not be able to vote on 3 August are also encouraged to apply for a special vote with the IEC. – SAnews.gov.za
