IEC Local elections are underway and crime won't stop them from getting votes

The provincial electoral officer Michael Hendrickse

Yesterday the IEC held a meeting at the Dulcie September Civic Center in Athlone to address violent crime and the impact it has on willing citizens to participate in local elections.

They also heard the grievances political parties and Community Policing Forum (CPF) has with regards to the upcoming local elections. Under the theme “Thought Leadership”. The IEC also focused on what their mandate is and reassured those presented that they are not only active before local elections, but at all times.

The IEC had a number of panelists and among them were Professor Irvin Kinnes, South African Journalist and author Caryn Dolley and Doctor Llewellyn MacMaster. The local electoral commissioner in Khayelitsha Brenda Yalezo said “during elections IEC members lives are endangered as they have to go within red zone communities to vote”.

The provincial electoral officer Michael Hendrickse said they will ensure more law enforcement and policing before and during local elections and community leaders will be present to ensure the safety of the communities and allow them to vote.

Done by: Shaneca Cupido