Residents of Ward 3 in Lephalale have gone out to cast their votes for a new Ward Councillor in the September by-elections.
Some residents voted on Tuesday in the special votes and Wednesday was the last day of the polls.
Ward 3, which comprises Mabalale Seleka cluster, Altostyd(both in Onverwacht) and Thulare Park in Marapong, has not had a Ward Councillor since June 2024 due to the departure of former Cllr Nico Pienaar, who is now in the National Council of Provinces under the portfolio of the Select Committee of Agriculture, Land and Mineral Resources.
In the South African democracy, by-elections serve as an essential mechanism for maintaining the integrity and functionality of local governance.
These elections often occur outside the usual five year electoral cycle and are a testament to the country’s commitment to ensuring that every community remains adequately represented.
They are a local election that takes place in a specific ward within a municipality, necessitated by various circumstances such as the death, resignation, expulsion or departure of a Ward Councillor.
Another circumstance that leads to by-elections is when a court nullifies the results of a previous election.
In order for a resident to participate in the by-election they need to be registered in that specific municipality or ward where the election is taking place.
Any registered voter in the municipality can stand for election as a Ward Councillor, provided they meet certain criteria.
Independent candidates must gather the support of atleast 50 registered voters within the Ward and submit their nomination forms along with other required documents to the local IEC office.
By-elections represent an opportunity for the community to select a leader who will navigate the challenges and opportunities of local governance, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of Ward 3’s residents are met.
The results are typically released within 48 hours after voting concludes and once all the votes have been counted and verified, the IEC will announce the winner.
 | ReplyForwardAdd reaction |