The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) reported a largely successful opening day of special votes on Tuesday, with over 780,000 votes cast. IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo confirmed the figures during a media briefing, saying that despite delays at several voting stations, all affected sites were eventually able to open and operate. The disruptions were addressed, and the commission was satisfied with the day's overall performance.
According to Mamabolo, the first day of special voting concluded at 5 pm, and the commission is satisfied that the day's proceedings create a solid basis for improved performance on day two of special votes and on election day. The IEC thanked voters, political parties, candidates, and election personnel for their cooperation, particularly officials who staffed voting stations and conducted home visits to assist eligible voters.
With special voting continuing on Tuesday, the commission urged all approved voters who have not yet cast their ballots to use the remaining opportunity. Mamabolo stressed the importance of protecting ballot secrecy and maintaining order, warning voters against photographing marked ballot papers, an activity strictly prohibited at voting stations. Voters must mark their ballots privately in designated voting compartments and follow instructions from election officials.
The commission further warned against campaigning, canvassing, intimidation, or attempts to influence voters inside voting stations. It urged everyone to respect fellow voters and avoid disrupting proceedings as the special voting process moves into its second day. The IEC deployed 127,000 officials for the special voting process, which is expected to see over 2.6 million South Africans cast their ballots.
Despite the largely successful first day, there were some incidents reported. The IEC confirmed that a presiding officer died after collapsing at a voting station as special voting began on Monday, while another election official was injured in a KwaZulu-Natal province incident. The commission is investigating the incident and has assured that it will take necessary measures to ensure the safety of its officials.
In another incident, the IEC is investigating after three ballot boxes and voting equipment were stolen during an overnight break-in at a KwaZulu-Natal voting station. The commission has assured that it is taking necessary measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the integrity of the voting process.
The IEC's special voting process is expected to continue on Tuesday, with voters who have not yet cast their ballots urged to use the remaining opportunity. The commission has assured that it is ready to handle the large number of voters and has put in place measures to ensure a smooth and successful voting process.
Key points
- Over 780,000 special votes were cast on the first day of voting in South Africa.
- The IEC reported a largely successful opening day despite delays at several voting stations.
- Over 2.6 million South Africans are approved to cast special votes on November 2 and 3.
