IEC says registered political parties surge to 620 ahead of November local elections

IEC

Cape Town – The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says the number of registered political parties has grown to 620 ahead of the November local government elections, reflecting increased political activity as preparations for the polls gather pace.

Speaking during a media briefing, IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the Commission has also opened its online candidate nomination system, enabling registered political parties and prospective independent candidates to begin capturing candidate information before the official nomination period opens.

“Our political parties currently comprise 620 registered political parties. There’s been a hive of activity relating to the registration of new political parties, hence that growth to 620 parties on the register,” he said.

Mamabolo said 76 political parties and 39 prospective independent candidates have already started using the online system, allowing them to prepare their nominations well in advance of the election timetable.

He added that the IEC has completed nationwide training on the online candidate nomination system, reaching 238 political parties and aspiring independent candidates across all nine provinces.

The Chief Electoral Officer also encouraged South Africans to make use of the Commission’s free online voter registration portal, saying digital platforms continue to play an increasingly important role in the electoral process.

“Levels of online registration activity were recorded in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Women remain the leading users of the online registration platform, accounting for 61% of all online registration activity.”

Mamabolo said young people are also embracing online registration, with those aged between 16 and 29 accounting for half of all online transactions. More than 52% of those transactions were new voter registrations.

He said the trend demonstrates the growing importance of digital services in encouraging first-time voters to participate in elections.

The IEC’s data-free online portal allows users to register as first-time voters, check their voter registration status, confirm their voting station, and update their contact and address details.

“The Commission continues to encourage South Africans to take advantage of the online self-service portal, which is data-free and accessible 24/7.”

Picture: X/@RMakukuli

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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi

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