Question NW1183 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional AffairsQUESTION
04 June 2021 - NW1183
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional AffairsQUESTION
Whether postponing the elections forms part of the contingency plans that the Government has in place, given the uncertainty about the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full relevant details of the plans?
Reply:
The preparations for the Local Government Elections are underway to be held on 27 October 2021, as announced by the Honourable President.
The Electoral Commission has indicated that it will be ready to deliver the elections within the constitutionally prescribed timeframes. With regard to the COVID-19 induced climate in which the elections will take place, the required health and safety protocols will be put in place to ensure that the elections are conducted in a manner that does not place any person at risk.
Given the uncertainty of the trajectory of the pandemic, the situation will be continuously monitored and assessed to ensure that the relevant interventions are made. Should circumstances require that the elections be postponed for outside the constitutionally defined period, then the required interventions will be pursued, which will include approaching Parliament and the Constitutional Court.