/ 24 July 1998

IEC closer to election date

Mail & Guardian reporter

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has come a teeny bit closer to determining which date it should set for South Africa’s second democratic elections.

It’s not firm yet – but the IEC said this week the Constitution provided for the National Assembly elections to be held within 90 days of the expiry of its term of office.

It should therefore be held after April 30 1999 and before July 30. The date will be set by President Nelson Mandela, with at least 60 days’ notice given.

The provincial elections have to take place within 90 days of the expiry of provincial legislatures’ terms of office. But these dates are similar to the National Assembly’s.

South Africans will definitely vote on one day only.