DA case for more voting stations abroad heads to court

The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) court case to request more voting stations overseas for the 2024 general election is set to be heard at the Electoral Court on Monday, 25 March.

This follows a submission by the DA last month to the Electoral Court to request the inclusion of all Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates as voting stations for the 2024 elections.

Those eligible to vote in the 2024 general elections – and reside in South Africa – will go to the polls to mark their ‘X’ on Wednesday, 29 May.

The day has been declared a public holiday.

Meanwhile, as reported by The South African website, according to the IEC, those living in an Islamic country will cast their vote on Friday, 17 May.

For everyone else registered to vote outside of South Africa, they will do so on Saturday, 18 May.

There are 111 voting stations outside of South Africa on six continents.

The station breakdown is as follows: Africa (46), Asia (29), Europe (21), North America (8), South America (5) and Oceania (2).

‘CONTRADICTS THE CURRENT ELECTORAL ACT’ – DA

The DA’s action comes in response to complaints from South Africans residing in Perth, Australia who sought the opening of the Honorary Consulate as a voting facility.

The High Commission in Canberra responded to these concerns, stating that the Perth Consulate could not be utilised for voting as it is “not headed by transferred staff from South Africa.”

According to the DA, this contradicts the current Electoral Act, which allows South Africans abroad to cast their votes at any Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate.

As it stands, there is only one city – Canberra – in which South Africans who registered to vote in Australia, can do so.

Canberra is 3 719km from Perth.

Australia ranks third in the Top 10 list of countries with the most registered overseas voters with 2 609.