Former deputy chief justice, Dikgang Moseneke, has recommended that the October local government elections be postponed to next year.

He says the scheduled elections are likely to be free and fair if they were to be held not later than the end of February 2022.

Moseneke chaired the Independent Electoral Commission Inquiry into ensuring free and fair local government elections are held during Covid-19.

He says due to lockdown restrictions, political parties cannot fully engage with voters, which means voters cannot make informed decisions.

It is also not feasible for all roleplayers to complete their tasks to prepare for the October elections, within the prescribed timetable.

He added the Covid-19 pandemic also looms large, and it’s unlikely that the country will achieve herd immunity by October.

Thus, if held this year, it could lead to cluster outbreaks, and more deaths.

A total determination based on the findings will be made by the IEC soon.