President Nelson Mandela will formally proclaim June 2 as the election date by the end of the week, presidential aide Parks Mankahlana said on Monday. The president’s office is fulfilling the legal requirements for promulgation in the Government Gazette, including consultation with the Independent Electoral Commission and the provincial premiers. The proclamation might even be gazetted as early as Wednesday. Mankahlana said the election date remains June 2, despite the court challenges that have fuelled fears the poll might be delayed.