“Elections are a logistical nightmare” – Prof Lehohla

Staff reporter

Sandton – Following our story published last week about the 14 million people eligible for voting but not registered, and the low turnout at by-elections, we sat down with professor Pali Lehohloa, former Statistician-General to unpack this.

By Friday when the elections date was proclaimed, only 27 million people were registered and if 14 million of the eligible had registered, the registered voters would be 41 million.

We kicked off our exclusive interview with Professor Lehohla by asking him about the decline in voter turnout. He said only Australia has a law forcing registered voters to vote.

“Elections are a logistical nightmare, having worked at Census I know what the IEC is going through.

It’s only in Australia that a law is forcing all registered voters to cast their votes.

In all other countries, the vote is determined by majority.

What you see happening with low turnout is nothing new, fewer and fewer people turnout in democracy.”

Asked what contributes to this low turnout Lehohla said despondency.

“If services are not provided, people will be desponded because their vote is about services.”

With regards to political parties raising concerns over the election timetable, Lehohla said funding and machinery could be the main reason parties are objecting.

“Elections timetable is not as easy as many think and mainly because of funding and elections machinery, the parties will struggle and that could impact their campaigning.

Part of campaigning includes rallies and political parties must be hands-on.”

If you have news or tips please email us at news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp 0685000246