[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

The Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission, Dr Brigalia Bam, today announced that Mr Norman du Plessis has been appointed Acting Chief Electoral Officer.

"We have appointed Mr Norman du Plessis as Acting Chief Electoral Officer. He is very experienced and we have confidence in his ability to manage and lead the affairs of the Commission," she said.

She commended former Chief Electoral Officer, Professor Mandla Mchunu, who left at the end of last year after successfully delivering the national and provincial elections on 2 June 1999 and the municipal elections on 5 December 2000.

"Professor Mandla Mchunu played a significant role within the IEC and his contribution to democracy in South Africa will be missed," Dr Bam said.

Mr Du Plessis has been the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer (Electoral Operations) since the establishment of the IEC in July 1997 and played a key role in the formation of the organisation. Prior to this appointment he was involved in the running of the Elections in 1994 and 1995. He has a wealth of experience. He was also instrumental in conducting the national, provincial and local government elections.

The Commission has also appointed the head of Legal Services, Advocate Edward Lambani, as Acting Deputy Chief Electoral Officer (Electoral Administration). He is standing in for Mr Glen Mashinini, who is recovering from an accident.

Dr Bam said senior management within the IEC are currently preparing reports on last year's municipal election, undertaking research on voting patterns, reviewing the electoral legislation and processes and preparing for municipal by-elections as well as the reviewing and restructuring the organisation to fulfil its constitutional mandate in the future.

"We are looking forward to streamlining the IEC to ensure that we will be able to consolidate the successes of our national, provincial and local government elections over the past two years by strengthening our constitutional democracy and preparing our electorate to participate in future elections by making informed choices," said Dr Bam.

For media enquiries please contact Lydia Young on 082 650 8652

Issued by the Independent Electoral Commission, 12 January 2001