President and Provincial Premiers Set the Stage for Landmark Elections
In a significant development, the Electoral Commission confirmed the official proclamation of the 2024 general elections on Friday, 23 February 2024. This announcement, jointly made by the President and provincial Premiers, holds legal implications that are now shaping the course of the electoral process.
Closure of Voters’ Roll
Foremost among these implications is the closure of the voters' roll, marking a decisive moment in the electoral timeline. As of now, no further voter registrations are permitted, both at local offices and online. Rigorous verifications and validations are underway to ensure strict compliance with the legal eligibility criteria for voting.
Publication of Election Timetable
The second critical implication is the obligation for the Electoral Commission to release an Election Timetable. Following consultations with the National Political Liaison Committee on the same day, the 2024 timetable was officially unveiled on Saturday, 24 February 2024. This timetable serves as a comprehensive guide, outlining crucial dates and cutoff times for key electoral activities.
Key Dates Highlighted:
Voters' Roll Activities
The provisional voters' roll is now open for inspection, with electronic versions available at all Commission offices. Objections to the voters' roll inclusion or exclusion must be submitted by 4 March 2024, with the Commission's decisions expected by 11 March 2024.
Candidate Nomination
A landmark election celebrating 30 years of electoral democracy, the 2024 elections introduce novel experiences, including a third ballot and independent candidates. Nomination requirements, submitted through the online Candidate Nomination platform, must be completed by 8 March 2024. Notices of non-compliance will be issued on 18 March 2024, requiring rectification by 20 March 2024.
Publication of Provisional Lists of Candidates
Provisional lists of candidates will be open for inspection on 26 and 27 March 2024. Objections can be lodged by interested parties on 27 March 2024, with Commission decisions expected on 28 March 2024. Appeals to the Electoral Court can be made by 2 April 2024, with decisions rendered on 9 April 2024.
Final Lists of Candidates
The Electoral Commission plans to publish the final lists of candidates on 10 April 2024, with certificates of candidature issued on 12 April 2024, marking the commencement of the ballot paper printing project.
Voting Stations
The official list of 23,292 voting stations will be available for inspection from 12 April 2024, with details on addresses and stopping times for mobile voting stations.
Special Votes
Special votes, both in-country and out-of-country, will take place on 27 and 28 May 2024. Applications for special votes will close on 3 May 2024.
Voting Outside of the Voting Station of Registration on Election Day
A notification portal for voters intending to cast votes outside their registered voting district on Election Day will be launched soon. Notifications close on 17 May 2024.
As the Electoral Commission underscores its commitment to delivering this national project, the publication of the timetable and associated cutoff dates serves as a catalyst for the meticulous preparation required for the 2024 general elections. With the democratic spirit at the forefront, citizens are urged to actively participate and take ownership of the electoral process.