Voting got off to a steady start at three polling stations visited by Highvelder in Ermelo this morning, with queues moving at different paces but the process generally flowing well.

Queues move quickly at Laerskool JJ van der Merwe

At Laerskool JJ van der Merwe, a good turnout was observed during the opening hours, although queues were moving quickly, with very little waiting time for voters.

Amor van der Walt, current PR councillor for the DA, said the arrangement of split voting stations operating in separate classrooms at the school had made a significant difference in keeping the process moving.

She said she expects people to turn out early, as many residents might want to cast their votes before enjoying the public holiday without having to return to the polls later.

One voter, after casting their ballot, summed up the occasion with a smile: “Nou’s dit gedoen, nou is dit tyd vir braai.”

Stephen Crompton of the ACDP said the party was hoping to see change in this election, adding that residents were looking for change at local government level.

ANC members manning their party’s area at the school also indicated that the queues were flowing well. They in turn said they are expecting more voters to make their way to the station during the afternoon.

Voters who spoke to Highvelder at the school described the process as quick and hassle-free.

Longer queues reported at Msukaligwa Fire Station

At the Msukaligwa Fire Station voting station, queues were slightly longer compared with those observed at Laerskool JJ van der Merwe. However, the ACDP PR candidate, Christiaan Uys, indicated that despite the queue, the voting process was moving steadily and voters were being assisted.

Special-vote concerns raised at Ward 7

At the Msukaligwa Municipality Ward 7 voting station, representatives of the DA, Freedom Front Plus, ACDP and ANC were present to welcome voters and assist those experiencing difficulties of were unsure of the process.

DA councillor JJ Scholtz told Highvelder that the party had received reports of several problems involving voters who had applied for special votes but were apparently unable to cast their ballots as expected.

He said the matter would be taken up with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

Shobie Arnoldi, PR councillor for the Freedom Front Plus, also raised concerns about issues relating to special votes and voters who had apparently received confirmation messages that they were registered to vote, but were not able to when they arrived at the voting stations.

At the time of Highvelder’s visit, Arnoldi was also assisting elderly residents from SAVF Huis Ermelo who had been brought to the station to exercise their right to vote.

Elize Johnstone, ACDP ward candidate, said the party was pleased with the turnout thus far, describing the morning’s activity as a steady flow of voters.

She said they anticipated that some parents might take advantage of the public holiday to sleep in before making their way to the polls later in the morning or during the afternoon.

Asked what she expected from the election, Johnstone said she believed residents were desperate for change and hoped this would also be reflected in the election results.

With voting continuing until 21:00, political representatives at the stations visited by Highvelder were anticipating a busier afternoon as more residents take the opportunity to cast their ballots.

Highvelder will continue monitoring the voting process and provide further updates as the day progresses.