President Cyril Ramaphosa assures South Africans that the election date will be revealed soon, sparking anticipation among over 350 political parties gearing up for this year’s elections. Amid calls for an announcement during his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), Ramaphosa emphasizes ongoing consultations with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
Ramaphosa stated, “Well, the election date will be announced shortly so that South Africans should get ready for the election. This is an election year; we are bringing an end to the sixth administration and once the people of our country have decided who they would like to take their country forward in the form of a new government we enter into the seventh administration, so the election date is going to be announced soon.”
While the IEC suggests May 22 as a potential date within the mandated period of May to August, the final decision rests with President Ramaphosa. The IEC notes that these elections mark the seventh under democracy since the end of apartheid in 1994.
The looming announcement has intensified as the final voter registration weekend approaches on February 3-4. Various political parties, including the DA, ActionSA, EFF, and UDM, are urging Ramaphosa to expedite the announcement to allow ample preparation time.
EFF leader Julius Malema expressed impatience, stating, “There is no logical reason or excuse to prolong the election date announcement any longer.” The EFF encourages unregistered South Africans to register and urges previous voters to verify their presence on the voters’ roll.
In contrast, Mmusi Maimane, leader of the Build One South Africa movement (BOSA), prioritizes voter registration over the announcement of the election date, emphasizing the need for an engaged and informed electorate.
As the nation enters its seventh administration, the anticipation builds, with citizens and political parties alike awaiting the crucial announcement that will set the stage for South Africa’s democratic process in the months to come.
