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.
Speaking outside the court, Freedom Front Plus spokesman 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.
Source : Sapa /ns/dw/gj
Date : 09 Feb 2009 11:59
