TALI FEINBERG
The board was told that the date cannot be changed, but the IEC agreed to extend voting hours on the day. This will only be done at voting stations where there is a Jewish community.
The IEC requested that the SAJBD provide it with the names of those wishing to vote. The board, as a matter of urgency, therefore asks that all those wishing to vote motzei Shabbat (after Shabbat ends) on 27 April to send an email to yanir@sajbd.org with their full name, as well as the foreign mission, embassy or consulate where they will be casting their votes. This needs to be done by 19 March.
IEC Commissioner Mosotho Moepya apologised to the Jewish community, saying the commission’s intention was “never to disenfranchise” any voters, and it would do its best to accommodate all communities living abroad.
The board’s political liaison, Yanir Grindler, said the IEC’s willingness to cooperate in finding a viable solution was much appreciated.
On the day of voting, voters overseas need to take along either their bar-coded South African ID book, smartcard ID or valid temporary ID certificate, as well as their valid South African passport or temporary passport to the foreign mission indicated on the confirmation that the IEC sent via email or text.
Voters’ thumbnails will be marked with indelible ink and their ID books stamped before they will receive the national ballot paper. They will then mark the ballot in secret, and place and seal the ballot in the unmarked envelope provided.
The unmarked envelope is placed in another envelope that is marked with the voter’s name and ID number. The use of two envelopes is to ensure the secrecy of the ballot (the outer envelope is discarded before counting). The envelope is placed in a secure ballot box for special votes.
