Correctional Services ready for inmates to vote on Election Day

Friday, May 24, 2024

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) says it is ready for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections to be conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) next Wednesday.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) says it is ready for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections to be conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) next Wednesday.

According to the department, some 14 753 inmates at correctional facilities have registered to vote in the elections.

“DCS has been working with the IEC in ensuring that all logistical aspects of the voting process are meticulously planned and executed. The environment is thus conducive for the IEC to fulfil its mandate through the provision of ballot papers, secure voting booths and other necessary logistics at correctional facilities.

“Comprehensive voter education was also provided to inmates in order to ensure they are informed about their rights and the voting process,” the department said.

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola said: “The measures we have put in place are designed to ensure that eligible inmates can exercise their right to vote in a secure and transparent manner. Hence, this initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring that our democratic processes are inclusive and just.”

Section 24 B of the Electoral Act makes provision for prisoners to vote in an election for the National Assembly or a provincial legislature, a person who on Election Day is in prison and whose name appears on the voter’s roll for another district, is deemed for that Election Day to have been registered by his or her name having been entered on the voter’s roll for the voting district in which he or she is in prison.

Therefore, the department said, inmates registered before “admission to a correctional centre shall not be denied an opportunity to cast their votes”.

“The transfer and release or placement of inmates on the voting date will be managed in such a way that it does not impede their right to vote. Independent observers will be allowed to monitor the election process within correctional facilities as per the prescripts of the Independent Electoral Commission.

“Observation of the voting process by political parties will be limited to two representatives per political party. This is due to limited space, whilst taking into cognisance the security imperatives of correctional centres,” the department said.