The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa reported that 133,931 special votes were cast in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, representing 37% of the 362,878 approved special votes. This was revealed by IEC provincial electoral officer Mawethu Mosery during a media briefing at the KZN Results Operations Centre on Tuesday. The commission had approved a total of 362,878 special votes for the province.
The IEC reported several security incidents involving attempts to access election-material storage facilities in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday. In one incident, supporters of a contesting political party forced their way into the precinct of a satellite election material storage facility at Dassenhoek Library in Pinetown. However, South African Police Service Public Order Policing officers intervened, dispersed the crowd, and ensured that no election material was tampered with or compromised.
The commission described the incidents as regrettable, particularly given that all political contestants had signed the Electoral Code of Conduct. Mosery confirmed that police also intervened in attempts to gain access to election material storage facilities, as well as efforts to deploy private security guards in Richmond, uMkhambathini, and Pietermaritzburg. These incidents have raised concerns about political conduct during the election process.
In addition to the security incidents, the IEC reported that 68,114 of the 151,429 approved home visits had been completed on Monday, representing 45% of applications. Furthermore, 65,817 of the 211,449 approved voting station visits had been administered, accounting for 31%. This left 228,947 approved special votes outstanding ahead of the final day of special voting on Tuesday.
The IEC also reported that rain in parts of KwaZulu-Natal created access difficulties for election officials traveling to some voters' homes on Monday. However, the commission said the weather-related challenges had been managed, and did not prevent voting stations from opening on time. Mosery noted that some officials were affected by the rainy weather and bad road conditions.
With special voting concluding on Tuesday, the IEC said preparations for Wednesday's general voting day were on track. Voting stations are expected to open at 7am and close at 9pm. Registered voters aged 18 and older must produce a green barcoded identity document, Smart ID card, or Temporary Identity Certificate to cast their ballots.
The commission reminded voters that they must vote at the station where they are registered. Mosery urged voters to verify their registration details before heading to the polls to avoid unnecessary delays. Voters can send their ID numbers to 32810 to confirm their voting stations. The IEC is expected to continue with the voting process, ensuring that all eligible voters can exercise their right to vote.
Key points
- 37% of approved special votes cast in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Security incidents reported at election-material storage facilities.
- IEC prepares for general voting day on Wednesday.
