Ahead of the 2026 local government elections, the IEC is encouraging young South Africans to register to vote as thousands of first-time voters remain absent from the roll.
More than 70% of South Africans aged between 18 and 19 who are eligible to vote have not yet registered, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has said ahead of this weekend’s voter registration drive.
The commission raised concern over low registration levels among first-time voters as it confirmed its readiness for the registration weekend on June 20 and 21, which forms part of preparations for the 2026 local government elections.
Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the commission was fully prepared to roll out the nationwide exercise, with all logistical systems and materials in place.
Mamabolo said the IEC had delivered all voter registration materials across the country’s nine provinces to support the process.
