ANY delay in the upcoming elections could have a negative impact on investor confidence in South Africa, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel warned on Monday. International investors had already discounted the fact that the election would take place and that irrational statements will be made, he said. However the series of court actions aimed at extending voting rights to groups which would otherwise be disenfranchised could prove problematic if they caused a delay in the poll, Manuel said. “By the end of June in parts of the country it is almost impossible to have people standing in queues. Winter sets in — its very very uncomfortable for people,” he said. Manuel said this would have a number of negative consequences, including a delay in the next parliamentary session. “The most important thing from our perspective is that the election be allowed to proceed on June 2 and run its course,” Manuel said.