Expats win right to vote

The Pretoria High Court has ruled that South Africans abroad should be allowed to vote on the upcoming general elections. It referred the judgment to the Constitutional Court for confirmation.

Handing down judgment, Acting Judge Piet Ebersohn ruled that the current legislation infringed on the rights of South Africans living abroad.

The court ruled that the electoral act "limited" the casting of votes to people temporarily living abroad.

The Independent Electoral Commission was also ordered to change its voting procedures so as to allow South Africans living abroad to vote.

Speaking outside the court, Freedom Front Plus spokesperson Willie Spies said the Constitutional Court could overrule the judgment.

The FF Plus brought the application on behalf of a South African school teacher living in the United Kingdom.

Currently certain groups, including government employees and people on holiday and business trips, could have arrangements made for special votes.

The party would file an application in the Pretoria High Court asking that the proclamation of the voting day be postponed to allow the Constitutional Court ample time to consider the matter.

The application was expected to be heard shortly after midday.

Previous posts;
Court actions to demand expats right to vote
Why expats should get the vote
Expats Demand A Vote
Zille calls for expats to vote
New party fights for expat vote
IEC to consider overseas voting rights