IEC concerned about possible length of ballot papers for LGE

The Electoral Commission (IEC) says in as much it is supporting the gain in the multi-party democracy; it is worried at the possible length of the ballot papers with hundreds of parties registering for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
So far, 508 political parties have shown an interest in participating in the forthcoming polls. Speculation is rife that the number could rise as the country nears Election Day.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, the IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Sheburi said they don’t have a problem with more parties registering to vote but they are worried that this would deter some of the voters.
“We are a multi-party democracy and we do not take issue with the number of registered political parties and we do not take issue with the number of parties that ultimately contests. However, we are concerned about the length of the ballot and what it does to a voter. We know for a fact that certain voters find it difficult to identify their parties of choice on a lengthy ballot or on a ballot set out in two columns, that may lead either to voters not making a mark at all or miscasting their ballot.”
VIDEO | IEC’s briefing on preparations for Local Government Elections:

 
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