COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS IEC COMMISSIONER
PARLIAMENT, TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2015 - The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has today resolved to recommend to the National Assembly to approve the appointment of Mr Vuma Glenton Mashinini as Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of South Africa as per the Electoral Commission Act. The vacancy arose as a result of the resignation of former Chairperson of the Commission Advocate Pansy Tlakula.
The Committee recommended Mr Mashinini primarily for his vast experience within the IEC as well as the experience he has gained in running elections within various countries in the African continent. The Committee is of the view that his vast institutional memory will ensure that he hits the ground running, especially as the Commission is preparing for the 2016 local government elections.
While the issue of gender representation was raised, the Committee took the view that his technical ability as well as vast experience within electoral processes will assist him to make a positive contribution to the Commission. Mr Lemias Mashile, the Chairperson of the Committee, highlighted that central in making this recommendation was the consideration that strengthening of the Commission is necessary in ensuring that the institution continues to deliver credible and fair elections.
The Committee extends a word of gratitude to the panel as led by the Chief Justice Mr Mogoeng Mogoeng for the work that they did in presenting the Committee with a list of capable South Africans for the filling of this vacancy.
The Committee hopes that the NA will agree to this recommendation. Should the House agree to this recommendation, the Committee is convinced that he will strengthen the overall functioning of the Commission as it endeavours to deliver credible elections which remains the bedrock of South Africa democratic dispensation.
Statement issued by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Mr Lemias Mashile, February 24 2015
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