The MK Party has taken an early lead in KwaZulu-Natal, according to results released by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). With 18% of results captured and 12% audited, the MK Party was leading with 32.60% of the vote. The ANC followed closely with 24.38%, while the IFP secured 21.84% of the vote. These figures were reported at 9am on Thursday, as the IEC continued to compile results from the province's 5,028 voting districts.
According to the IEC, 656 voting districts had completed their results, which were displayed at the provincial Results Operations Centre. The DA secured 12.02% of the vote, while the EFF had 1.83%. Results for eThekwini, a major municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, had not yet been displayed on the provincial results board. The IEC's provincial electoral officer, Ntombifuthi Masinga, provided an update on the results capturing process.
Masinga emphasized the importance of the auditing process in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the results. She stated that auditing was critical to confirming that the results in the system matched those from the voting stations. Only results that had undergone auditing would be displayed on the results board. This process aimed to maintain transparency and build trust in the electoral process.
Masinga expressed satisfaction with voter turnout in KwaZulu-Natal, which exceeded the national average. She thanked voters for participating in the election and noted that the commission had hoped for a lower turnout, specifically under 50%. The IEC's goal was to ensure a free and fair election, and Masinga's comments reflected the commission's efforts to engage with the public.
As the IEC continued to compile results, political parties and independent candidates had until 5pm on Friday to lodge objections under Section 65 of the Electoral Act. This process allowed parties to raise concerns about the results, which the IEC would address before announcing the final election results. Masinga confirmed that the commission expected to announce the final results on Sunday.
The IEC's results capturing process involved multiple stages, including capturing and auditing results from voting districts. The commission used a provincial Results Operations Centre to compile and verify the results. This centre played a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the results, which were essential for a free and fair election.
The early results indicated a competitive election in KwaZulu-Natal, with multiple parties vying for support. The MK Party's lead, based on 18% of results captured, suggested a strong performance, but the ANC and IFP remained close behind. As the IEC continued to release results, the final outcome of the election in KwaZulu-Natal would become clearer.
Key points
- MK Party leads with 32.60% of the vote in KwaZulu-Natal based on 18% of results captured.
- ANC and IFP follow closely with 24.38% and 21.84% of the vote, respectively.
- Final election results expected to be announced on Sunday after objections are addressed.
