The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has started the special voting process for the upcoming local government elections, with approximately 2.6 million South Africans expected to cast their ballots over the next two days. This process caters to individuals who may not be able to vote on the official election day, Wednesday, 4 November. The IEC has made arrangements for 1.9 million special voters to cast their ballots at designated voting stations, while officials will visit the remaining voters at their registered addresses.
Elderly people who have been approved for special votes are being urged to remain at home as IEC officials prepare to visit their registered addresses on Monday and Tuesday. The commission has assured that all special votes will be secured and reconciled before being counted alongside ballots cast on election day. IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo emphasized that the commission will not send officials back to homes where approved voters are not available when they arrive.
The IEC is working under pressure after a Constitutional Court ruling reinstated 181 ANC candidates, prompting the commission to print 6.6 million extra ballot papers with just 16 days to go before the local government elections. This development has added to the logistical challenges facing the IEC as it prepares for the polls. The commission is racing against time to ensure that all necessary materials are in place for a smooth voting process.
The local government elections are set to take place on Wednesday, 4 November, with various political parties, including the ANC and DA, intensifying their campaign efforts in the lead-up to the polls. The ANC, in particular, has been making a final push, with President Cyril Ramaphosa preparing to address a Siyanqoba rally. Other parties, such as the MK Party, have also been actively campaigning, with Bongani Baloyi outlining plans to fix Johannesburg's finances.
The special voting process is an essential component of the electoral process, allowing citizens who may not be able to vote on the official election day to exercise their right to vote. The IEC's efforts to ensure the integrity and security of the special votes are crucial in maintaining public trust in the electoral process. With the local government elections just around the corner, political parties are urging citizens to participate in the democratic process.
The Eastern Cape and Western Cape are among the provinces that have been receiving significant attention from political parties in the lead-up to the local government elections. The ANC and DA have been targeting Eastern Cape metros, while the Western Cape has seen increased police presence amid concerns about overt crime. The MK Party has also been actively campaigning in various parts of the country.
As the special voting process gets underway, citizens are being encouraged to participate in the democratic process. Cartoonist Zapiro has urged South Africans not to give up on voting, emphasizing the importance of exercising one's right to vote. With the local government elections just days away, the IEC is working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and successful voting process.
Key points
- Approximately 2.6 million South Africans are expected to cast special votes over two days ahead of the local government elections.
- The IEC is printing 6.6 million extra ballot papers following a Constitutional Court ruling that reinstated 181 ANC candidates.
- The local government elections are set to take place on Wednesday, 4 November, with various political parties intensifying their campaign efforts in the lead-up to the polls.
