THE Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has set aside two days for voters to register to vote in the upcoming national elections.

Unregistered voters can register at their voting stations for the last time on 7 and 8 February. “This is the last opportunity for people to register at their nearest voting stations,” said the IEC communications officer in Eastern Cape, Pearl Ntloko. All voting stations would be open from 7am until 5pm over the weekend.

Registered voters who have moved since the last elections are also urged to update their details.

The commission is a permanent body created by the Constitution to promote and safeguard democracy in South Africa.

According to the IEC website, it is publicly funded and accountable to parliament, and is independent of the government. “Its immediate task is the impartial management of free and fair elections at all levels of government.”

After the two days in February, all IEC offices will be open from 8am until 5pm. “We are not sure of the date when we’ll close registration,” said Ntloko. “We will wait until the president announces the election date.”

Voters are encouraged to check their status by calling the IEC number 0800 11 8000 toll free from a landline, or send their identity numbers by SMS to 32810, or visit the IEC website.

“Voters should use this chance to register to vote as this is their last opportunity,” said Ntloko.

According to the IEC office more than 21 million people have registered nationally, together with 1,6 million new voters.

For more information, Buffalo City residents should contact the East London office on 043 709 4200. The offices are in Quigney, at 14 Ganteaume Crescent.