Fantastic news just came through via sms on my cellphone.
The PTA high court has ruled in favour of South Africans living abroad. They are now eligible to vote from overseas.
This can only be good news for our democracy moving forward. I think this is a great victory for the people of South African and our constitution.
From a SAPA report:
Pretoria – South Africans abroad should be allowed to vote, the Pretoria High Court ruled on Monday.
Handing down judgment, Acting Judge Piet Ebersohn ruled that the current legislation infringed on the rights of South Africans living abroad.
The court ruled that the electoral act “limited” the casting of votes to people temporarily living abroad. It referred the judgment to the Constitutional Court for confirmation.
The Independent Electoral Commission was also ordered to change its voting procedures so as to allow South Africans living abroad to vote.
Judgment may be overruled
Speaking outside the court, Freedom Front Plus spokesperson Willie Spies said the Constitutional Court could overrule the judgment.
The FF Plus brought the application on behalf of a South African school teacher living in the United Kingdom.
Currently certain groups, including government employees and people on holiday and business trips, could have arrangements made for special votes.
The party would file an application in the Pretoria High Court asking that the proclamation of the voting day be postponed to allow the Constitutional Court ample time to consider the matter.
The application was expected to be heard shortly after midday.
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