The IEC warned the public against spreading false information about voting on social media. (Misha Jordaan/Gallo Images)
- The IEC warned the public against spreading false information on social media.
- The message claimed that the IEC had allowed voters aged 60 and older to register to vote by May 29th.
- Applications for special voting will be accepted starting April 15th.
The IEC warned the public against spreading false information on social media after a message was issued urging voters over 60 to apply for early voting.
The message, which went viral on WhatsApp on Monday, claimed that the IEC had allowed voters aged 60 and above to register to vote by May 29.
“Important for everyone over the age of 60. Voting day is May 29th. If you want to avoid long lines and parking issues, the IEC urges everyone over the age of 60 to register to vote. “I have given you permission to vote on the 27th and 28th. Text (SMS) ID number 32249,” reads the text.
The IEC distanced itself from messages such as:
This is not a message from the committee. The Election Commission reiterates the general principle of election administration that voters must vote where they are registered.
“However, if a voter intends to travel to another polling precinct on election day, the voter must notify the commission of his/her intention to be absent from the voting precinct and identify the polling place where he/she wishes to vote. ”
According to IEC standards, the following cases qualify for a special vote:
- You are unable to go to the polls because you are infirm, have a disability, or are pregnant.
- or if you are unable to vote at your polling place on Election Day.
Applications for special voting have been accepted since April 15th, but it appears to be operated under an honors system that allows voters to apply for early voting without providing a reason why they cannot vote on election day, and this system is being abused. It is easy to use.
The IEC said a special vote request is legitimate if the person is a registered voter, a South African citizen and at least 18 years of age or older on the day of voting.
Africa Check deputy editor Kayleigh Clifford previously told News24 that many of the claims the organization saw and debunked during the election period fell into several categories, including myths about the electoral process. He said it applies. False claims targeting minorities, including foreigners. False Endorsements or False Support Claims. and falsely claiming credit.