IEC Completes Vote Counting in Six Provinces as Final Results Near

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has confirmed that vote processing has concluded in six of the country's nine provinces. The provinces where counting has been completed are the Free State, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo. According to IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya, the commission is confident in finalising the vote count ahead of Sunday's announcement at 6pm.

During a media briefing at the IEC's Results Operations Centre in Midrand on Saturday afternoon, Moepya expressed the commission's optimism about completing the vote count. He mentioned that only a few districts remain outstanding, and the results processing is pending finalisation in Emfuleni, COJ, and Ekurhuleni. In the North West, Rustenburg Municipality, and in KwaZulu-Natal, Msunduzi and eThekwini municipalities still need to complete their counting.

The IEC has received a total of 197 objections, with 54 dismissed after no basis was found, and eight withdrawn by the complainants. Two objections have been upheld and are under investigation. The commission has assured the public that the conclusion of the count does not mean a decision has been made on all objections. The IEC is working to finalise the results as soon as possible.

The remaining three provinces - Gauteng, North West, and KwaZulu-Natal - are in the final stages of processing, with completion expected on Saturday evening. The ANC has lodged formal objections with the IEC challenging alleged discrepancies in Gauteng election results. The party has called on the IEC to investigate the discrepancies.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced that it will engage 'like-minded parties' to discuss forming coalition agreements. The party's move is seen as a strategic effort to secure alliances in the wake of the election results. Coalition discussions have begun among political parties, with the MK party also pursuing coalition bargaining despite lodging a formal IEC objection.

Election observers have commended the local government polls, citing the smooth conduct of the elections. The observers' comments come as the IEC works to finalise the results. The commission's chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, has expressed confidence in the integrity of the election process.

The final results of the local government elections are expected to be announced on Sunday at 6pm. The IEC has assured the public that the results will be accurate and reflective of the will of the people. The announcement will bring an end to the election process, which has seen a significant turnout and keen competition among political parties.

Key points

• The IEC has completed vote counting in six provinces, with final results expected to be announced on Sunday.