Load shedding is now part and parcel of daily life and it could be part of the 2019 South African elections, too.
With preparations underway for South Africa’s elections on 8 May, some of us have started wondering what impact load shedding might have on the day – and the subsequent counting of results.
Stage 4 looks like it is here to stay and some energy experts even accused Eskom of having started with Stage 5 and “lying about it“.
There are also concerns that Stage 8 might become a reality or, in the absolute worst case scenario, a complete grid collapse.
Worries about how the power cuts might impact elections have already been raised.
The Independent Electoral Committee expresses concern
The Mail and Guardian report that “Load-shedding is an acute concern for the Electoral Commission of South Africa.”
Counting takes place at night and blackout could potentially impact the counting process and bring result credibility into question. And should load shedding continue into May, voting stations will also be impacted.
Eskom is unable to pinpoint exactly how long load shedding will continue. They have only stated that we should possibly prepare for another six to 12 months of it.
What are the IEC plans?
According to Sy Mamabolo they have been interaction with Eskom, and based on recent developments by the service provider, will go into a “second tier contingency plans.”
These plans will ensure that counting, in particular, isn’t affected should there be no energy.
He also noted this will be an expensive exercise but no expense will be spared to ensure the integrity of the process.
SAPS also has concerns
At their presentation to Portfolio Committee on Police, the SAPS highlighted that load shedding is earmarked as a possible threat to elections and an issue that they are accounting for.
Vish Naidoo, National spokesperson for SA Police Service stated on the Xolanu Gwali Show:
“We are in very close consultation with Eskom to ensure we put measures in place to either mitigate or totally overcome load shedding or power outages as a possible threat to elections.”
Voting and counting by candlelight isn’t appealing to anyone. Worth checking your daily load shedding schedule to ensure you mitigate any unpleasantness should that become a reality.
