Special voting enters final day after smooth start
The IEC has expressed satisfaction with the first day of special voting and reminded approved voters that they have until 17:00 today to cast their ballots.
IEC spokesperson and chief communication officer Kate Bapela said during a briefing yesterday, November 2, that some voting stations in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality delayed opening due to the late distribution of ballot papers.
However, the IEC announced that all affected voting stations subsequently opened and remained operational.
She said the first day of special voting concluded at 17:00 yesterday, 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 commission is grateful for the co-operation of voters, candidates and political parties throughout the day. We also appreciate the commitment of thousands of election officials who worked at voting stations and those who conducted home visits,” she said.
Final day of special voting today
The commission calls upon all approved voters who have not yet cast their special votes to do so today, November 3. Voting stations will close at 17:00.
She explained this is the final opportunity for special voting, after which voters may only be able to vote on Wednesday, November 4, at the voting stations where they are registered.
“Our dedicated officials will continue conducting approved home visits today to facilitate special voting for eligible voters who couldn’t be reached yesterday. The commission urges these voters to remain at the address as reflected on their approved home visit application to ensure that officials can locate them and facilitate the casting of their special votes.”
Dos and don’ts at voting stations and during home visits
Voters are reminded that making a photographic image of marked ballot papers is strictly prohibited. Voters must mark their ballot papers in private, in the designated voting compartments, and follow the instructions of election officials throughout the process.
Voters are further urged to respect the rights of others, maintain order at voting stations and refrain from any conduct that may disrupt the voting process. Campaigning, canvassing, intimidating or attempting to influence voters inside voting stations isn’t permitted. The commission calls on all voters to co-operate with election officials and observe the rules governing special voting.
The commission further appeals to members of the public and political party supporters to refrain from interfering with electoral staff conducting home visits. Confronting the electoral staff during the course of duty makes it difficult for them to reach voters at approved addresses. Members of the public are also reminded that it’s a criminal offence to intimidate electoral staff, to take unauthorised pictures of these officials and post them on social media.
Weather patterns
The commission has received reports of rainy weather in some provinces, leading to challenges relating to access to some voting stations. Hot weather conditions also persist in some provinces. Therefore, voters are encouraged to monitor weather patterns in their areas and take precautionary measures to exercise their vote safely.
