IEC calls on youth to vote as election campaign kicks off

The build-up to the 2026 Local Government Elections enters its final stretch this Friday with the expected official proclamation of the election date.

The proclamation will also mark the start of the 90-day countdown to the elections on 4 November.

Deputy Chief Electoral Officer for Outreach, Dr Victor Shale, says the Electoral Commission has implemented several programmes and strategies to encourage greater youth participation in the elections.

Shale says, “We’ve been encouraging them to understand that they have the duty to 1: to ensure that the country’s democratic project is sustained. Secondly, to understand that part of the response to the challenges that they face must be and should be addressed through creating functioning elected structures that are responsive to their needs”.

He says, “We have been engaging with young people to make sure that we deal with any barriers that might be prevailing and which challenge their ability to participate…”

Calls for the youth to cast meaningful votes