The Electoral Commission in KwaZulu-Natal has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the local government elections in the province, despite some isolated incidents and logistical challenges. Provincial Electoral Officer Ntombifuthi Masinga reported that the majority of the province's 5,028 voting stations had opened on time at 7 am, allowing over six million registered voters to participate in the elections.
The province recorded a 65% turnout during the two-day special voting period, with 234,297 of the 362,878 approved special votes having been cast on Monday and Tuesday. Of these, 110,767 of the 151,429 approved home visits were completed, representing a 73% turnout. Additionally, 123,530 of the 211,449 approved special votes were administered at voting stations, representing 58%.
However, some voting stations experienced delays or were unable to open on time due to logistical challenges. In Ndwedwe, 50 voting stations experienced opening delays, while three stations in Umzumbe could not open on time due to inaccessible roads. The South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force were assisting in addressing the access challenges in Umzumbe.
An incident involving the theft of election materials was reported at Mnyameni Secondary School in eThekwini's Ward 2. Unused ballot papers, election security materials, and the certified voters' roll were reported stolen from the voting station overnight. However, Masinga stated that the incident had not disrupted voting operations, as the station had sufficient materials to continue, and arrangements were made to reprint the voters' roll.
Masinga welcomed the participation recorded during the special voting period, citing the enthusiasm demonstrated by citizens across the province in exercising their democratic right. She urged voters to continue exercising their right while encouraging political parties, independent candidates, and observers to respect the electoral process.
With voting stations scheduled to close at 9 pm, Masinga also warned of anticipated light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in parts of the Midlands and northern KZN, as forecasted by the South African Weather Service. Voters in affected areas were urged to make their way to voting stations before the anticipated storms.
The IEC had made provision for new security packs and ballot papers specifically for Wednesday's general voting. Masinga encouraged citizens to continue participating in the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of their democratic right to vote.
Key points
- The IEC reported a 65% turnout during the two-day special voting period in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Isolated incidents and logistical challenges were reported at some voting stations, but did not disrupt voting operations.
- The IEC urged voters to exercise their democratic right while encouraging political parties and observers to respect the electoral process.
