IEC Salutes Uniprint after 2016 Municipal Elections

Categorised in: Blog

The recent South African Municipal Elections were hailed by the participants, the electorate and the observers as a resounding success. Once again the IEC delivered a free and fair election at polling stations around the country, but the IEC has been the first to admit that this would not have been possible were it not for the logistical success of the election and the tireless input of companies like Uniprint.

Ballot papers are a critical component of any election and during municipal elections the printing and distribution process is especially complex. Aside from the sheer number of ballot books, each containing 100 ballots, which need to be delivered to polling stations around the country, different regions require different variations according to the parties which will be running for office in their respective municipal districts.

This year a total of 73.9 million ballots of 4649 variations were printed for the local government elections and considering the fact that the project needed to be completed within a 10 day target period, commercial printers such as Uniprint had the odds stacked against them.

Uniprint was charged with printing approximately 21.5 million ballot papers for KwaZulu-Natal and North West, and after working tirelessly towards their target they produced a result which Simon Boyle, Senior Manager of Logisitics and Infrastructure at the IEC, hailed as “noteworthy and indispensible”.

“I wish to convey the thanks and appreciation of the Electoral Commission of South Africa to Uniprint for their role in making a success of the South African Municipal Elections in 2016,” said Boyle.

Boyle then extended his personal gratitude to the Uniprint team stating, “I add my personal thanks for the engaging and supportive manner in which the Uniprint management and project team tackled this task. It was in particular this collaborative approach that allowed us to jointly confront and solve problems as they arose, and so win the day!”

Following their experience in printing, labelling and distributing ballot papers for the Tanzanian National Elections in 2015, Uniprint were ready for the challenge. However, irrespective of their past experience, the team was required to show real determination over the 10 day period in order to meet their target. In true Uniprint style they did so flawlessly, enabling them to meet the IEC’s target and play a vital role in ensuring the 2016 South African Municipal Elections were free and fair.

Ready to discuss how Uniprint can support your printing needs? Contact us today for personalized solutions tailored to your requirements!

FAQs and Answers

1. What role did Uniprint play in the 2016 Municipal Elections?

Uniprint was responsible for printing approximately 21.5 million ballot papers for KwaZulu Natal and North West, ensuring accurate production and timely delivery to support the election process.

2. Why is ballot paper printing important in elections?

Ballot paper printing is critical because it ensures that every voter receives the correct voting materials. Accuracy, security and timely distribution are essential for free and fair elections.

3. How many ballot papers were printed for the 2016 elections?

A total of 73.9 million ballot papers were printed across South Africa, with 4649 different variations based on regional and party requirements.

4. What challenges are involved in election ballot printing?

Election printing involves managing large volumes, handling multiple variations, maintaining strict deadlines and ensuring secure and error free production and distribution.

5. How quickly were the ballot papers produced?

The entire printing process was completed within a tight 10 day period, requiring efficient coordination, advanced printing capabilities and continuous production.

6. Why did the IEC commend Uniprint?

The IEC praised Uniprint for its reliability, collaboration and ability to deliver high quality ballot papers under pressure, which contributed to the success of the elections.

7. What experience did Uniprint have before this project?

Uniprint previously worked on the Tanzanian National Elections in 2015, where they handled printing, labelling and distribution of ballot papers, preparing them for large scale election projects.

8. Can Uniprint handle large scale commercial printing projects?

Yes, Uniprint specialises in high volume and complex printing projects, offering reliable solutions for secure printing, logistics and distribution across various industries.