PRETORIA, South Africa, May 01, 2024 – The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has announced that all systems are in place for the shipment of voting materials to South African citizens living abroad. This move is part of the government’s commitment to ensure that every South African citizen, regardless of their location, can participate in the democratic process.
DIRCO and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) have met and agreed on the logistics for dispatching election materials. The voting materials will be sent to all 115 South African diplomatic missions using diplomatic airfreight bags. A short-term contract for this purpose has been put in place, demonstrating the government’s efficiency and readiness for the upcoming elections.
The use of diplomatic bags ensures the security and integrity of the voting materials. These bags are protected by diplomatic immunity, providing an additional layer of security to the overseas voting process. This method of dispatch aligns with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963, both of which South Africa is a signatory.
DIRCO’s use of diplomatic bags to dispatch official documents and articles to and from South Africa is a standard practice. However, its application to the electoral process underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and inclusive election.
As South Africa gears up for the upcoming elections, the measures taken by DIRCO and the IEC provide reassurance to South African citizens abroad. Their votes are important, and the government is taking every step to ensure they are part of the democratic process. The world will be watching as South Africa continues to uphold its democratic values in the face of logistical challenges.
