ELECTION NEWS - In terms of the Electoral Act 73 of 1994, soon after the proclamation of the date of an election, the Chief Electoral Officer must appoint a presiding officer and a deputy for each voting station at which that election is to be conducted.

The presiding officer plays an important role during elections, helping to make sure that your vote is indeed counted. 

He or she is tasked with the responsibility to coordinate and supervise the voting at a voting station to ensure that the election is free and fair.

The presiding officer must take all reasonable steps to ensure orderly conduct at that voting station. He/she may order a member of the security services to assist in ensuring orderly conduct at that voting station, and that member must comply with the order. 

The presiding officer may also order a person to leave the area within the boundary of the voting station if that person's conduct is not conducive to a free and fair election at that voting station.

 Voters have to respect the decisions of the presiding officer and submit to them.

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