In a significant milestone for the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), voter registrations for the upcoming 2024 elections have exceeded 27 million individuals. This achievement marks the first time such a substantial number has been reached since the inception of democracy in the country.
Providing insights into the demographics of registered voters, the IEC highlighted that individuals aged between 30 and 39 constitute the largest segment in terms of registrations.
Sy Mamabolo, the Chief Electoral Officer, expressed encouragement at reaching the 27 million mark on the voters’ roll, emphasizing the importance of this accomplishment as the nation gears up for the second voter registration weekend.
Taking a unique turn in facilitating democratic participation, the IEC extended the opportunity for inmates at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre to register to vote. This initiative, carried out earlier in the week, aimed to ensure that even those within correctional facilities exercise their constitutional right to participate in the upcoming polls.
IEC officials visited the maximum-security facility, streamlining the registration process for inmates equipped with the necessary documentation. In a commendable response to the IEC’s call, families of inmates collaborated by bringing the required identification belonging to their incarcerated loved ones. The outcome was a substantial number of inmates successfully registering at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre.
As the nation awaits the second registration event scheduled for the upcoming weekend, the IEC anticipates providing a comprehensive update on the overall number of registrations, including the recent participation of inmates. Stay tuned for the commission’s forthcoming announcement in the next few days, shedding light on the evolving landscape of voter engagement in South Africa.