Election body mulls proposal over extension of local boundary lifespans

The Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) says it is still considering a proposal by the South African Local Government Association (Salga) for the demarcation cycle to be extended to 10 years. For months leading up to the local elections in August, communities around the country protested against being merged with others. Making the most headlines were the residents of Vuwani and Vyeboom who were suspected of burning more than 24 schools in protest against being incorporated into neighbouring Malamulele. The issue affected the IEC’s credibility, putting it in the middle of the residents’ quarrel with the Municipal Demarcation Board and the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. However, the IEC has chosen to stay out of talks for now about extending the cycle, which currently gives municipal boundaries a five-year lifespan. "The matter is a vexed one and still under consideration. We will provide an official position on this policy matter once the consideration o...

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