Section 158: Timing of elections

(1) A general election must be held so that polling takes place not more than—

    (a) thirty days before the expiry of the five-year period specified in section 143;

    (b) where Parliament has passed resolutions to dissolve in terms of section 143(2), ninety

days after the passing of the last such resolution; or

    (c) where Parliament is dissolved in terms of section 109(4) or (5) following a vote of no

confidence, ninety days after the dissolution.

(2) General elections to local authorities must take place concurrently with presidential and parliamentary general elections.

(3) Polling in by-elections to Parliament and local authorities must take place within ninety days after the vacancies occurred unless the vacancies occur within nine months before a general election is due to be held, in which event the vacancies may remain unfilled until the general election.