CPD1501
EXAM PACK
2024 MAY/JUNE
2024
OCTOBER/NOVE
MBER
2025 MAY/JUNE
,2024 MAY/JUNE
Question 1:
Critically discuss the role of the Independent Electoral Commission in supporting and
strengthening constitutional democracy in South Africa. (20)
, The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa plays a pivotal role in upholding and
strengthening constitutional democracy, as mandated by Section 190 of the Constitution of South
Africa, 1996. Its primary functions include managing free and fair elections, promoting voter
education, and ensuring impartiality in electoral processes. Below is a critical discussion of its role:
1. Ensuring Free and Fair Elections:
- The IEC is tasked with overseeing national, provincial, and municipal elections, ensuring they are
conducted transparently and fairly. This aligns with Section 19(2) of the Constitution, which
guarantees every citizen the right to free, fair, and regular elections.
- Critical Point: The IEC’s independence, enshrined in Section 181, safeguards it from political
interference, but challenges such as logistical issues (e.g., delays in rural voting stations) and
allegations of bias in past elections (e.g., 2009 voter registration disputes) test its credibility. Despite
these, the IEC has consistently delivered elections deemed credible by international observers.
2. Voter Education and Participation:
- The IEC promotes civic education to encourage informed participation, particularly targeting
marginalized groups like youth and rural communities. This strengthens participatory democracy by
empowering citizens to exercise their voting rights.
- Critical Point: While the IEC’s voter education campaigns are robust, turnout rates (e.g., 66% in
2019) suggest gaps in reaching disengaged populations, raising questions about the effectiveness of
its outreach in addressing voter apathy.
3. Electoral Integrity and Dispute Resolution:
- The IEC resolves electoral disputes impartially and maintains a code of conduct for political
parties, fostering trust in the democratic process. For example, in ANC v IEC (2009), the
Constitutional Court upheld the IEC’s authority to manage voter registration disputes, reinforcing its
role as a neutral arbiter.
- Critical Point: Allegations of mismanagement, such as the 2021 local election delays due to
COVID-19, highlight operational challenges that could undermine public trust if not addressed.
4. Strengthening Constitutional Democracy:
EXAM PACK
2024 MAY/JUNE
2024
OCTOBER/NOVE
MBER
2025 MAY/JUNE
,2024 MAY/JUNE
Question 1:
Critically discuss the role of the Independent Electoral Commission in supporting and
strengthening constitutional democracy in South Africa. (20)
, The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa plays a pivotal role in upholding and
strengthening constitutional democracy, as mandated by Section 190 of the Constitution of South
Africa, 1996. Its primary functions include managing free and fair elections, promoting voter
education, and ensuring impartiality in electoral processes. Below is a critical discussion of its role:
1. Ensuring Free and Fair Elections:
- The IEC is tasked with overseeing national, provincial, and municipal elections, ensuring they are
conducted transparently and fairly. This aligns with Section 19(2) of the Constitution, which
guarantees every citizen the right to free, fair, and regular elections.
- Critical Point: The IEC’s independence, enshrined in Section 181, safeguards it from political
interference, but challenges such as logistical issues (e.g., delays in rural voting stations) and
allegations of bias in past elections (e.g., 2009 voter registration disputes) test its credibility. Despite
these, the IEC has consistently delivered elections deemed credible by international observers.
2. Voter Education and Participation:
- The IEC promotes civic education to encourage informed participation, particularly targeting
marginalized groups like youth and rural communities. This strengthens participatory democracy by
empowering citizens to exercise their voting rights.
- Critical Point: While the IEC’s voter education campaigns are robust, turnout rates (e.g., 66% in
2019) suggest gaps in reaching disengaged populations, raising questions about the effectiveness of
its outreach in addressing voter apathy.
3. Electoral Integrity and Dispute Resolution:
- The IEC resolves electoral disputes impartially and maintains a code of conduct for political
parties, fostering trust in the democratic process. For example, in ANC v IEC (2009), the
Constitutional Court upheld the IEC’s authority to manage voter registration disputes, reinforcing its
role as a neutral arbiter.
- Critical Point: Allegations of mismanagement, such as the 2021 local election delays due to
COVID-19, highlight operational challenges that could undermine public trust if not addressed.
4. Strengthening Constitutional Democracy:
