Budget cuts impeded education on complicated voting process

The Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) faced budget cuts and a more complex voting environment during the recent general elections. Despite a 10% cut to the voter education budget, changes to the Electoral Act complicated the voting process at numerous voting stations.

Successive budget cuts in recent years have impacted the IEC’s ability to manage elections effectively. The budget constraints were a result of wider fiscal constraints across the government, with a significant reduction in spending allocated to the IEC.

The introduction of a new voting process with a three-ballot system and longer ballot papers led to confusion among voters, resulting in long queues and disenfranchisement. The IEC’s outreach budget was reduced, affecting voter education efforts.

Despite challenges, the IEC worked with the allocated budget to educate voters on the changes to the Electoral Act. The complexity of the new voting model, driven by the ANC, highlighted the importance of effective voter education in future elections.