IEC considers expat vote request

2008-11-22 08:24

Johannesburg - The Independent Electoral Commission will consider Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille's request on Friday that all South Africans living abroad be allowed to vote.

This followed a meeting between IEC chairperson Brigalia Bam and Zille as part of the IEC's discussions with parties on preparations relating to next year's national and provincial elections.

The IEC said that electoral laws provide for special votes for the physically infirm, members of the security forces and electoral staff on electoral duty.

They also provide for South Africans temporarily out of South Africa on election day because of a holiday, participation in an international sporting event, those that are studying abroad and those that are on a business trip, the IEC explained.

Arrangements for these provisions will again be made for the forthcoming elections.

Provision is also made for those outside the country on government service, including diplomatic staff and soldiers on peace keeping operations.

Zille asked Bam to interpret the provisions broadly to include other South Africans abroad and for registration opportunities to be provided overseas for those voters.

She said statutory amendments would be necessary for this.

Bam said she would consider the request.

"The meeting further noted that the Electoral Commission is always open to suggestions that give opportunities to as many South Africans as possible to register and to vote," the IEC said.

- SAPA