Electoral Commission (IEC)

Established by the Constitution of South Africa, the Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa is an independent body that manages elections of legislative bodies and institutions through the participation of citizens, political parties and civil society.

The IEC’s obligations are to: manage elections of national, provincial and municipal legislative bodies; ensure that those elections are free and fair; declare the results of those elections; and compile and maintain a national common voters’ roll.

The Commission’s duties are to: ensure that any election is free and fair; promote conditions conducive to free and fair elections; compile and maintain a national common voters’ roll; compile and maintain a register of parties; establish and maintain liaison and cooperation with parties; undertake and promote research into electoral matters; develop and promote the development of electoral expertise and technology in all spheres of government; continuously review electoral laws and proposed electoral laws, and make recommendations; promote voter education; declare the results of elections for national, provincial and municipal legislative bodies within seven days; and appoint appropriate public administrations in any sphere of government to conduct elections when necessary.