The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has launched a new self-service online portal designed to allow citizens to register to vote, update their information, and verify their details remotely. The digital system aims to improve the accessibility, efficiency, and integrity of the voter registration process ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
To date, the portal has recorded more than 26,000 newly registered voters, bringing the national tally of registered voters closer to 28 million. The Commission highlighted that the move is part of a concerted effort to empower all voters, with a specific focus on encouraging young people to participate in the country’s democratic and electoral processes.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Electoral Commission emphasized the convenience and effectiveness of the new platform.
“We have launched the online registration campaign to encourage all eligible voters to use the convenience of the self-registration portal to register to vote as well as updating their details ahead of the local government election,” the spokesperson said. “The self-registration portal has been proven to be very effective as it enables voters to register and update their details at the comfort of their own homes.”
The spokesperson noted that the portal has already registered over 26,000 new voters this year alone and urged broader participation.
“We encourage all South Africans who are eligible to vote to register online and those who have already registered to verify their details and update them accordingly,” the spokesperson added.
A crucial reminder was issued regarding election procedures: voters must register in the district where they live and will be required to vote in that same district.
The Electoral Commission directed the public to visit registertovote.elections.org.za to access the portal and complete their registration or verification.
This digital initiative marks a significant step in modernizing South Africa’s electoral infrastructure and expanding voter engagement as the nation prepares for its next democratic contest.