KUGOMPO CITY- The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in the Eastern Cape has begun preparing political parties, aspiring independent candidates and individuals interested in registering new political parties ahead of the next local government elections.
The IEC hosted a stakeholder training session at the Premier Hotel KuGompo International Convention Centre (ICC) on Tuesday, 07 July bringing together registered political parties, aspiring independents and prospective political party applicants from across the Eastern Cape.
Eastern Cape Provincial Electoral Officer Kayakazi Magudumane said the workshop was aimed at ensuring that all electoral stakeholders understood the legal framework governing elections and the responsibilities expected of them.
“The intention is to ensure that we conduct elections with political parties that understand the IEC’s rules and regulations, as well as the various electoral laws that guide the democratic process,” said Magudumane.
She said the commission wanted stakeholders to understand the electoral timetable, election procedures and the roles of all participants before the election date is proclaimed.
“The purpose is to ensure that no one is left behind in the IEC processes. Once the election date has been proclaimed, there are timelines that cannot be reversed, and stakeholders need to be fully aware of those requirements,” she said.
Among those attending the training was Siyabonga Ngcingci, coordinator of the South African Communist Party (SACP), who welcomed the initiative.
“The IEC has introduced new things and explained issues that many of us did not fully understand before. We have gained clarity on most matters, if not all. Overall, we have confidence in the IEC going forward,” he said.
Another participant, Morne Alberto Buis from Kariega, represented the 1812 Movement and said he attended the workshop to better understand the electoral process.
“I’m still learning about political parties and I’m going back to my community to share the information I’ve gained here,” said Buis.
He praised the manner in which the training was conducted.
“I was happy with the facilitator and the way every question was answered. The training was well conducted and everything was well organised.”
Buis said his community continues to face serious socio-economic challenges, including youth unemployment and gangsterism and encouraged young people to participate in elections.
“We are struggling with youth unemployment, gangsterism and many other social problems. Young people need to vote if they want to see change,” he said.
Furthmore, IEC Eastern Cape provincial manager Siyabonga Maki who also served as programme director said the workshop formed part of a nationwide programme to prepare political stakeholders for the upcoming elections.
“We invited political parties that are formally registered with the IEC, including those represented in Parliament, those without parliamentary representation, as well as individuals interested in establishing their own political parties,” he said.
Maki said similar workshops are being held across the country, with the Eastern Cape sessions taking place in KuGompo and Mthatha.
“The purpose is to make stakeholders aware of the preparations for the elections and what is required of a political party to contest an election successfully. We explained the deposits, supporting documentation, legal requirements and important deadlines.”
He said many of the formal processes would only commence once the President officially proclaims the election date.
“It is not the responsibility of the IEC to judge political parties. Our role is to ensure free and fair elections. Political parties campaign, and voters ultimately decide how they interpret those campaigns.”
He added that the Electoral Code of Conduct would become fully applicable once the candidate nomination process begins.
“We have already informed political parties about the importance of respecting one another and conducting themselves responsibly. The Code of Conduct applies not only to political parties but also to their supporters. We will hold further workshops on the Code of Conduct when the elections are officially launched, which is expected around September in the Eastern Cape.”
Amahla July
13 July 2026
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