SACHS J were imprisoned. [28] There are a variety of ways in which enfranchisement of prisoners could be achieved in practice. Polling stations could be set up in the prisons or special votes could be provided to prisoners. Prisoners are literally a captive population, living in a disciplined and closely monitored environment, regularly being counted and recounted. The Commission should have little difficulty in ensuring that those who are eligible to vote are registered and given the opportunity to vote, and that the objective of achieving an easily managed poll on election day is accomplished. [29] The question of a concentrated prison electorate exercising disproportionate local influence was raised as casting doubt on such an interpretation. The forthcoming elections are, however, being conducted by means of a system of proportional representation on the basis of national and provincial party lists, so that treating prisons as the places of ordinary residence will not significantly distort the outcome. The concentration of prisoners might have more significance for local government elections where the ward system plays an important role. These elections will, however, only be held in 18 months time, and Parliament has ample opportunity to consider this question should it wish to do so. [30] It was also contended that if special arrangements were to be made for prisoners, then the resources of the Commission would be strained to bursting point by the need to make equivalent arrangements for citizens abroad, pilots, long-distance truck drivers, and poor persons living in remote areas without public transport. A 30

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