2016 Municipal Elections

BRIEF:

South Africa will this year hold its fifth municipal elections on Wednesday, 3 August 2016. President Jacob Zuma has declared 3 August 2016 a public holiday.

Government encourages all South Africans who are eligible to vote to exercise their right on 3 August 2016.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has 26 333 3535 million voters on the voters roll. This is approximately 77 percent of the eligible voting population.

The 2016 Municipal Elections are an opportunity for South Africans to have a direct say in who runs their community and ward. The councillors South Africans elect will serve on the town, city, metropolitan and district councils.

A vital part of any democracy is to guarantee that voting takes place in an atmosphere which is considered free and fair. Ensuring free and fair elections is the primary responsibility of the IEC. At the same time government has a major role to play in ensuring that citizens can safely and securely cast their vote. Government, through the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, continues to ensure that all measures are in place to ensure a safe and secure election.

Government will also not tolerate actions aimed at disrupting the elections or disenfranchising voters. Intimidation and violence have no place in our electoral space.