Figures released by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) showed that 85.4% of eligible voters in the Eastern Cape have registered to vote in the upcoming elections.
Figures released by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) showed that 85.4% of eligible voters in the Eastern Cape have registered to vote in the upcoming elections.
This is the second highest registration percentage, behind the Free State, where 86% of eligible voters have registered, and higher than the national average of 80.8%.
Registration levels stood at 80% in 1999, 84.6% in 2004 and 84.07% in 2009.
In certifying the voters' roll, the chief electoral officer, Mosotho Moepya, said that 25 390 150 voters will cast their ballots in the national and provincial elections on 7 May.
This is 2 208 153 more voters (a 9.5% increase) than were on the voters’ roll for the 2009 national and provincial elections and 7.2 million (a 39.72% increase) more than were on the voters’ roll when it was established for the first time for the 1999 elections.
Moepya said that Gauteng has the highest number of voters with just over 6 million, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 5.1 million, the Eastern Cape with 3.24 million and the Western Cape with 2.9 million.
Between them these four provinces make up almost 68% of all voters.
A gender analysis of figures released by the IEC also showed that women significantly outnumber men on the voters’ roll: 13.94 million (54.9%) women compared to 11.45 million (45.1%) men comprised the voters roll.
The voters’ roll also showed that South Africa is still a relatively young population with 49.57% of the registered voters under 40 years old.
The largest number of voters are aged 30 – 39 (6.18 million) followed by 20 – 29-year-olds (5.7 million) and 40 – 49-year-olds (5 million), said the IEC.
The IEC deadline for submission of candidate lists and deposits by contesting parties is 12 March.
The certified voters’ roll is available for inspection at all IEC offices around the country.
Voters can check their registration details by SMSing their ID number to 32810 (cost R1).
The Fingo Festival is hosting a "Why should I vote for you" political debate at City Hall on 14 March.
According to Xolile Madinda, Fingo Fest director, the debate is about creating hype around the upcoming elections.
He said the DA and ANC have confirmed.
Madinda said that the Economic Freedom Fighters would confirm next week on Wednesday.
Azapo and Congress of the People have not yet responded.
The information will be updated next week.
For more information, please contact Xolile Madinda: 0799037016
