Prisoners to vote
2004-03-03 10:37
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Johannesburg - Prisoners sentenced without the option of a fine will also be allowed to vote in the general election in April, the Constitutional Court ruled on Wednesday.
Last month the court heard an application by the SA Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders (Nicro) and two prisoners serving sentences without an option of a fine.
They argued that an amendment to the Electoral Act promulgated in December 2003 violated two constitutional rights of prisoners: the right to vote and the right to equality.
Under the Electoral Laws Amendment Act, only prisoners awaiting trial and prisoners given the option of paying a fine are allowed to vote in the April 14 election.
The Independent Electoral Commission said at the hearing there was still time to register prisoners to vote, although the voters roll had already closed.
- SAPA