Independent Electoral Commission

Communique 01

Out of country registration

14 March 2018

Registration out of country will take place at all Embassies, Consulates-General and High Commissions as designated on the DIRCO website.
Citizens can check whether they are registered on the voters’ roll via the website of the Electoral Commission (EC) at www.elections.org.za.

If registered inside South Africa then it is not necessary to register again abroad.

In order to be eligible to vote abroad, the voter will have to inform the Chief Electoral Officer via the completion of an online VEC10 of their intention to vote outside of the country. The online VEC10 will only be available on the website at www.elections.org.za from the date that the NPE2019 election is proclaimed, for a 15 day period.

Requirement for Registration

A comprehensive registration manual outlining out of country registration procedures which includes all the required forms will be made available.  DIRCO staff will assist voters with the following and forward the documentation for processing.

In short, the following are needed for the voter to register abroad:

• An ID document or Smart ID card or Valid Temporary ID Certificate (TIC)
• A valid passport.
• Apply to register in person at an Embassy, Consulate-General or High Commission
• Applicant to complete a REC1/OC form.

Role of the missions abroad:

• DIRCO staff to photocopy page 1 of the ID document/Smart ID Card.
• Once completed, the REC1 /OC must be scanned together with the copy of the ID.
• Scanned copies of the REC1/OC and ID copy  must be emailed to registrationoc@elections.org.za and also couriered (see note below in red) to the Electoral Commission at:

Election House
Riverside Office Park
1303 Heuwel Avenue
Centurion

Attention: Mr Brian Heuvel

The period for registration abroad/out of country is open until the proclamation of the NPE 2019 election. There may be a registration weekend that will be announced for South African citizens abroad.

Please note that the original REC1/OC and copy of ID must be kept at the mission for safekeeping until couriers have been appointed by the Electoral Commission.

On the REC1/OC form, bottom left corner, mission transferred staff member must check the passport for validity and check the box; check the form for completeness (quality assure) with signature and provide official’s ID number.
It is not necessary to complete the Voting District at the bottom right of the form.

Complete the date of registration on the bottom right of the form.

REC1/OC Form