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PRESS STATEMENT

At a consultative meeting convened on Monday with political parties, one of the issues raised strongly by political parties was the fact that in terms of the Electoral Act the distinctive symbols of political parties registered with ECN shall appear on the Ballot Papers. The demand of the political parties registered with ECN to have their distinctive symbols appear on the ballot papers is supported by law.

Section 39(3)(f) reads: “The distinctive symbol of the political party may appear on the ballot paper referred to in paragraph (b), if the political party desires such symbol to so appear.” Section 40 (a) of the same Act also refers to a “distinctive symbol” which must be registered with the ECN.

It has become an established practice and convention over the course of the years for the ECN in consultation with political parties to print ballot papers in black and white for the purpose of being cost-effective.

The specifications of the tender as awarded to NAMPRINT do not require printing of the ballot papers in colour. The fact is that most political parties have registered their distinctive symbols with ECN in colour and have demanded in this election that they appear on the ballot paper in that form. Hence, the ECN considered the request by the political parties and although the implementation thereof will carry increased financial implications. Consequently the ECN decided to withdraw the awarding of the tender to NAMPRINT. Another tender will be called in compliance with tender procedures in terms of the Tender Act.

Another issue that I would like to address is the register that is being wrongly questioned by one of the political parties. Furthermore, I would like to state in clear terms that the results that we reported for Supplementary Voter Registration is the actual data that we have captured from eligible voters at our registration points throughout the country. These data as we have consistently pointed out are subject to verification.

I would only take a few questions.

THANK YOU