ELECTIONS: Prayer pointers for the IEC

Written by: Dr Pearl Kupe
Article source: JOY! Magazine

Tensions are mounting as South Africa prepares for one of the most important elections in our nation’s history. One of the institutions that plays a key role in the outcome of these elections is the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

What is the IEC’s mandate?
The IEC is a permanent and independent body – created and established by section 190(1) of the South African Constitution. It was created as an institution to enhance democracy by managing free and fair national, provincial, and municipal elections. The IEC is publicly funded and is accountable to parliament. In addition, the IEC is compelled to compile and maintain a voters roll and to declare election results.

The IEC’s role in free & fair elections
Free and fair elections are a fundamental principle and tenet of democracy, including:
• Freedom to register as a voter;
• freedom to run for public office as guaranteed by the constitution (even as an independent candidate);
• freedom of speech for political parties and their candidates;
• freedom to assemble and campaign;
• accessibility to polling stations;
• balanced and impartial officials and systems for conducting elections and monitoring and verifying election results; and
• sufficient legislation to prevent and ensure against voter fraud.

Election observers
Election observers are necessary in ensuring free and fair elections. Observers are normally selected locally, regionally, and internationally. They are there to protect the rights of those participating in the elections and to help build public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process. Observers are there to both deter and expose any electoral fraud or manipulation of the process. This year, 52 organisations are said to have been given observer status for the upcoming elections.

Voter fraud and manipulation
The IEC has a platform for citizens to report instances of alleged online misinformation. Where investigations reveal that there has been circulation of wrong information, in violation of electoral processes, the following options may be considered:
• Refer the matter for criminal or civil legal action.
• Request social media platforms to remove the offensive material.
• Issue media statements to alert the public and correct the misinformation.

In past years, some election officers were found guilty of election fraud and stuffing the ballot boxes. They were tried and sentenced for the offence.

Logging complaints
All staff and volunteers participating in the electoral process must be warned and cautioned very seriously of the grave criminal implications they may face if found guilty of electoral fraud or tampering. The public should also be alert and keep an eye out for any illegal or suspicious electoral activity. You can record any suspicious event, including footage where possible.

To log a complaint, click here.

Any complaints that relate to alleged breaches of the code of conduct should be submitted to either the Electoral Court or Directorate for Electoral Offences. The Secretary of the Court, Ms Annerie Vorster, can be contacted by email, avorster@sca.judiciary.org.za. The Electoral Commission’s Directorate for Electoral Offences can be reached on email at legalservices@elections.org.za.

PRAYER POINTS
• Pray for the IEC staff to uphold the values that they purport to stand for and uphold their mission statement.
• Pray for election observers, especially observers coming from regional, continental, and internationals organisations. Pray for the right composition of observers and for the selection of righteous and honest observers who cannot be controlled or manipulated. Pray for the accreditation of observers who have integrity.
• Pray using Psalm 89:14, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.”
• Pray for voting polls to open timeously and for those manning the polls.
• Pray for all equipment needed, such as ballot boxes, to be available and ready.
• Pray for any technology used in the electoral process to function properly, without being manipulated in any way.
• Pray against voter apathy and for active and participatory citizenry; for people to vote in large numbers.
• Pray for South Africa and for all who will be voting using Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”.
• Pray for righteousness to prevail.
• Pray for safety and protection using Psalm 91 and for all to be secure and for no casualties to happen as a result of sickness, fatigue, accident, criminality, or violence.
• Pray for any fraud or manipulation of the electoral process to be exposed, “For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known” (Luke 12:2).

Click here to KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE weekly newsletter.

> Please support Christian media and journalism in South Africa. Help us to spread the Word of God and take a stand for the truth by making a donation to our ministry. We appreciate your support. Click here to take hands with JOY! Magazine. 

Date published: 13/05/2024
DR Pearl Kupe – attorney and consultant to world leaders/international organisations. Visit
pearlkupe.co.za or email pearl.kupe@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER
JOY! News is a Christian news portal that shares pre-published articles by writers around the world. Each article is sourced and linked to the origin, and each article is credited with the author’s name. Although we do publish many articles that have been written in-house by JOY! journalists, we do not exclusively create our own content. Any views or opinions presented on this website are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.