The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is considering harmonising the upcoming National Assembly and Local Government elections in a move aimed at reducing costs, improving voter participation and addressing voter fatigue.
IEC Chairperson, Dr John Maphephe, says the electoral body is engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Local Government to examine the legal, financial, operational and policy implications of holding the two elections at the same time.
Dr Maphephe said the harmonisation process was still at an exploratory stage and no final decision had been taken. The proposal comes as the country prepares for the next National Assembly elections in 2028
He said a technical committee comprising senior officials from the IEC and the Ministry of Local Government had been established to assess whether the proposal could be implemented and what reforms would be required.
He announced the proposal during a press conference on Wednesday, saying the Commission had so far examined laws governing National Assembly and Local Government elections and found that the two legal frameworks were not significantly different. However, some provisions would have to be amended to allow the elections to be held simultaneously.
The team is also considering operational arrangements, including the relationship between electoral divisions and parliamentary constituencies, as well as the legal and institutional reforms that may be required to support the proposed harmonisation.
