It is possible under certain circumstances to vote if one is abroad on the day of the election.
The following categories of people are eligible:
• People abroad on government business.
• People attending an international sporting event.
• People abroad to study.
• People abroad on holiday.
• People temporarily abroad for business, conference, etc.
In order to qualify, a voter has to follow this procedure:
(1)Within 15 days of the date on which the election is declared, the voter must apply in writing for a special vote. This application must be addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer by fax on (012) 428-5592 or by e-mail on tlakulap@elections.org.za.
(2)The IEC will supply an application form, which requires the voter to provide reasons why he or she believes he or she is eligible for a special vote. The IEC may reject the application if the voter does not fall within one or other categories who are eligible for special votes.
(3)If the application is accepted, the voter will be able to vote either 7 days before the election at a designated South African Embassy OR 2 days before in Pretoria. Obviously this places a huge onus on the voter and means that, in some cases, it will be physically impossible for an eligible voter to cast a vote, even if he/she qualifies to do so.
(4)Obviously, to cast a vote one needs to be a registered voter. A voter can only become registered if he/she presents himself/herself in person to a registration point in South Africa. People who are not registered cannot vote. Therefore, we must encourage people to register if they return to South Africa.
Should you have any queries, please contact Mike Moriarty on 082 492 4410.
Kind regards
Margaret de Andrade
[ add comment ]
Search
