Local Government Elections: Hlabisa issues warning as government prepares for possible threats

CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has warned against political violence, voter intimidation and electoral interference as more than 29 million registered South Africans prepare for the November 4 Local Government Elections.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has warned that political violence, voter intimidation and attempts to interfere with the electoral process will not be tolerated as South Africa prepares for the November 4 Local Government Elections.

With just days remaining before voters head to the polls, government has intensified security preparations to safeguard the electoral process, including measures to counter electoral fraud, cyberattacks, misinformation and threats against voters and election officials.

Hlabisa, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Local Government Elections, has called on political parties, candidates and communities to protect the integrity of the elections and ensure that voting takes place peacefully.

CoGTA stressed that maintaining a safe electoral environment was a collective responsibility.

"Government will not tolerate conduct that undermines the electoral process or threatens the safety of voters, candidates, election officials and communities," the department said.

"Political parties, candidates and their supporters are urged to reject violence and intimidation, respect differing political views, and report incidents through the appropriate channels."

Hlabisa reinforced the warning, urging South Africans to safeguard the democratic rights of others.

"The power is yours to make the difference you wish to see. Let us protect our democracy, participate peacefully and ensure that these elections are free, fair and incident-less," said Hlabisa.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) received 142,072 candidate nominations for 10,526 council seats before the nomination process closed on August 28.

According to CoGTA, the nominations cover ward candidates, proportional representation candidates and independents, reflecting significantly higher participation than during the 2021 Local Government Elections.

The voters' roll has also surpassed 29 million registered voters following nearly 4.7 million voter interactions during registration weekends held in June and August.

More than 750,000 new voters were added to the roll, with people under the age of 29 accounting for 46% of new registrations during the final registration weekend.

Hlabisa urged eligible South Africans, particularly young people, to exercise their constitutional right to vote and influence the leadership of their municipalities.

"Voting gives communities the opportunity to influence municipal leadership, shape local priorities and hold elected representatives accountable for service delivery," said Hlabisa.

The minister warned against voter apathy, stressing that choosing not to participate meant giving up an opportunity to influence decisions affecting communities.

CoGTA echoed the warning, saying electoral participation remained essential to protecting South Africa's democracy.

"When you choose not to vote, you surrender your opportunity to make your voice heard and allow others to make decisions on your behalf. Democracy thrives when citizens actively participate in shaping its future," the department said.

Government has prioritised election security, with law-enforcement and intelligence structures working together to identify and respond to threats that could disrupt voting.

A Priority Committee operating within the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) is coordinating security preparations and monitoring potential risks.

These include cybersecurity threats, interference with electoral systems, misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and incidents that could undermine public confidence in the elections.

CoGTA said government was committed to protecting voters, candidates, election officials and communities from threats and intimidation.

The department also urged South Africans to exercise caution when sharing election-related information, particularly on social media.

"South Africans are also encouraged to verify election-related information through the IEC, relevant government departments and other credible sources before sharing it, particularly on social media platforms," CoGTA said.

Meanwhile, the IEC has declared its Results System fit for purpose following independent testing and auditing.

CoGTA confirmed that all findings identified during the assessments had been addressed.

"The IEC has declared its Results System fit for purpose following independent testing and auditing, with all identified findings addressed," the department said.

The Commission has also launched its National Results Operations Centre at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

The centre will coordinate the capture and release of results from 23,696 voting stations nationwide, while allowing political parties, independent candidates and the media to monitor the electoral process.

Special voting is scheduled for November 2 and 3, ahead of the main election on November 4.

The IMC reaffirmed its confidence in the IEC's readiness and emphasised that government would continue providing support without interfering with the Commission's constitutional mandate.

"Government's role is therefore to enable and support the electoral process, not to direct, control or interfere with the Commission's decisions," CoGTA said.

"The IEC remains solely responsible for administering the elections independently, in accordance with the Constitution and applicable electoral legislation."

The Department of Home Affairs will extend operating hours at its front offices to assist citizens with identity documents ahead of the elections.

On November 2 and 3, offices will operate from 8am to 6pm, while on election day, November 4, they will open from 7am to 9pm.

The extended hours will allow citizens to collect identity documents, apply for identity documents or obtain Temporary Identity Certificates where applicable.

CoGTA urged South Africans who have already applied for identity documents to collect them in time to participate in the elections.

Community leaders, stakeholder forums and other community structures have also been encouraged to inform eligible voters about the arrangements.

Government has also urged voters and election officials to prepare for high temperatures expected across several parts of the country.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), current forecasts do not indicate significant adverse weather conditions on November 4, although continued monitoring remains necessary.

The elections coincide with the early part of South Africa's summer rainfall season, raising the importance of weather preparedness.

CoGTA warned that high temperatures could affect voters and election officials, particularly those spending extended periods outdoors.

"Communities are urged to stay hydrated, take precautions against heat exposure, practise water conservation and follow official weather advisories," the department said.

It also called for additional care to protect children, older persons and other vulnerable groups.

SAWS will continue monitoring conditions and issuing updated forecasts to support preparations for any weather-related disruptions.

As the country enters the final days before the elections, Hlabisa has urged registered voters not to allow frustration, political dissatisfaction or apathy to discourage them from participating.

The minister stressed that local government elections provide communities with an opportunity to determine who leads their municipalities and influence decisions on essential services.

"Your vote matters. Your voice matters. Your participation matters. Let us stand together to protect and defend our hard-won democracy, strengthen local government and build communities that respond to the needs and aspirations of our people," said Hlabisa.

CoGTA maintained that credible elections require cooperation between government, the IEC, political parties, independent candidates, law-enforcement agencies and communities.

With the November 4 elections approaching, the department urged South Africans to respect the democratic rights of others and contribute to an environment in which every eligible voter can cast their ballot freely and safely.

Hlabisa reiterated that protecting democracy extended beyond government institutions and required active participation from ordinary citizens.

"The power is yours to make the difference you wish to see. Let us protect our democracy, participate peacefully and ensure that these elections are free, fair and incidentless," he said.