By Nomfundo Manyathi-Jele

The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) observed over 400 voting stations on 3 August. All LSSA observers were admitted attorneys and were trained by electoral law experts.

The LSSA observed that the elections were, on the whole, free and fair.

All LSSA observers observed on a voluntary basis and committed their own time and expenses to the mission. They visited three or more voting stations, namely, the station where they were registered first, followed by a second station of their choice and a last station of their choice where they observed the counting process.

The largest representation of stations observed was in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Western and Eastern Cape, with a smaller representation in the other provinces. The national observations show that the environment around most voting stations on Election Day was positive and peaceful with minimal occurrences and irregularities. Irregularities observed were referred to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to investigate.

The LSSA has commended the IEC on a job well done and recognises the important role it plays in protecting and promoting our democracy.

To view the full report on the elections go to www.lssa.org.za

Nomfundo Manyathi-Jele, Communications Officer, Law Society of South Africa, nomfundom@lssa.org.za

This article was first published in De Rebus in 2016 (Oct) DR 21.