NATIONAL NEWS - Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South African employers to observe 8 May, the day of National and Provincial elections, as a public holiday and encourage staff to use the day to exercise their right to vote.

In a statement, the Presidency said all Premiers have also declared 8 May as the date of the election of provincial legislatures.

These proclamations have been published in the Government Gazette.

The IEC said the proposed election timetable spans the next 71 days and lays down the key dates and deadlines for various milestones until voting day. "The proclamation places the preparation of the elections into a different trajectory. It gives a greater impetus to the currently unfolding election preparations," IEC spokesperson, Kate Bapela said on Tuesday 26 February.

The Commission will now have to escalate preparations so that all electoral activities are accomplished in time for Election Day.

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