The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has confirmed that it is ready to administer the upcoming local government elections in the Eastern Cape, with over 3.6 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots at 4,979 voting stations between November 1 and 3. To ensure a smooth process, the IEC has introduced measures to reduce queues and improve the processing of voters, following criticism over delays during previous elections.
The IEC has procured 107 tents and 12 mobile voting stations, with venues and operating times for the mobile stations confirmed in consultation with communities. Additionally, the commission has received about 420,000 applications for special votes across the country, with 282,000 voters in the Eastern Cape expected to cast special votes at voting stations on November 1 and 2.
A total of 105 voting stations will not open for special voting on November 1 and 2 because no applications were received in those areas. However, the IEC has deployed sufficient teams to manage the special-voting process, and officials will visit close to 127,000 people who have requested home visits in the Eastern Cape.
The IEC was forced to revisit some ballot papers after the Constitutional Court ruled in favour of the ANC in its challenge over the exclusion of 181 candidates from the ballot. The ruling affected 12 municipalities and eight political parties, whose candidates have since been included. The commission has completed training for IEC officials, political parties, and other stakeholders, and election materials have been distributed to local offices and satellite storage sites.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Vuyisile Ncata has confirmed that more than 10,000 police officers will be deployed across the Eastern Cape, with additional members assigned to voting stations in identified hotspots. The deployment is based on detailed threat assessments, and police have contingency plans for possible incidents.
The police have conducted dry runs through the voter registration weekends and have refined their plans accordingly. They will act decisively against political violence, intimidation, and unlawful conduct, regardless of which party is involved. Home Affairs offices will operate extended hours on November 2, 3, and 4 to assist voters.
The IEC will operate 53 results-capturing sites, including three local offices and 20 satellite sites, where party representatives will be able to observe the receipt and capturing of results. With these measures in place, the commission and the police are confident that the elections will be safe and secure.
Key points
- Over 10,000 police officers will be deployed in the Eastern Cape to ensure safety during the local government elections.
- The IEC has introduced measures to reduce queues and improve the processing of voters.
- Home Affairs offices will operate extended hours on November 2, 3, and 4 to assist voters.
