Elections 2016: What does the IEC do?

The IEC is a permanent body created by the Constitution to manage free and fair elections at all levels of government. Although publicly funded and accountable to parliament, the IEC is independent of the government.

What does it do?

Obligations

In terms of Section 190 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (PDF – 1.65 MB), it must:

• 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 voters’ roll.

Duties

Section 5 of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996 (PDF – 183 KB) requires that the IEC

• compiles and maintains a register of parties;
• undertakes and promotes research into electoral matters;
• develops and promotes the development of electoral expertise and technology in all spheres of government;
• continuously reviews electoral laws and proposed electoral laws, and makes recommendations;
• promotes voter education;
• declares the results of elections for national, provincial and municipal legislative bodies within seven days; and
• appoints appropriate public administrations in any sphere of government to conduct elections when necessary.