The Economic Freedom Fighters EFF has tabled a private members bill in Parliament to amend the Electoral Act of 1998. The proposed legislation aims to automatically register all South African citizens on the national voters roll at the age of 16, using data from the national population register.
Under the bill, the Electoral Commission would notify citizens of their registration and require them to confirm or update their place of residence before casting their first vote.
EFF MP Mazwi Blose says, It doesnt mean that at the time youre turning 16, it should be the year of voting. Someone can turn 16 now, but you know that in the next local government elections, they will be eligible to vote.
