The 2004 national and provincial general election will be held on April 14, President Thabo Mbeki announced on Monday.
In a statement to the National Assembly at the start of debate on his State of the Nation address, Mbeki said the date had been decided in consultation with the Independent Electoral Commission and the nine provincial premiers.
The date will be gazetted on Wednesday, after the national and provincial legislatures have approved the necessary dissolution resolutions.
Therefore, the voters’ roll will be closed at midnight on Wednesday, Mbeki said.
African National Congress chief whip Nathi Nhleko then moved a motion proposing the House dissolve itself in terms of the Constitution.
The motion also noted that the House remains competent to function until the day before the first day of polling for the next Assembly.
Further, it proposed suspending certain rules to prevent Bills and other business from lapsing when the House is dissolved.
The motion was adopted without dissent. — Sapa
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