Pretoria - As the May 7 poll approaches, President Jacob Zuma has authorised the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to maintain law and order over the election period as well as the inauguration of the President- elect.
South Africa will go to the polls on Wednesday in the country’s fifth democratic elections since the country’s majority first cast their votes in April of 1994. More than 25 million people have registered to vote, the largest since 1994.
“President Jacob Zuma has authorised the employment of members of the South African National Defence Force for service in cooperation with the South African Police Service to maintain law and order during the general elections and the inauguration of the President-elect,” said the Presidency on Wednesday.
A total 1856 SANDF members will be on duty together with members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) across the country.
They will be tasked with preventing and combatting crime and ensuring maintenance and preservation of law and order during the national and provincial elections which take place next Wednesday.
“President Zuma has also authorised the employment of 247 members of the SANDF in Gauteng to enhance safety and security during the inauguration of the President-elect on 24 May 2014 at the Union Buildings, Pretoria,” said the Presidency. - SAnews.gov.za
