“My gardener told me that he was approached by women with ballot papers in the township, who assisted him to vote. All he had to do was supply his ID or phone number,” the man told www.mobserver.co.za.

The Independent Electoral Committee warned that the only legitimate voting day is tomorrow, apart from today’s special voting day.

•In the meanwhile political parties are hopeful that all 110 703 registered voters in Middelburg will turn out for Wednesday’s, August 3, Local Government Elections.

In 2011, only 53 971 voters out of a registered 98 060, cast their ballots, with the ANC receiving 68,06% of votes, the DA 28,07%, Cope 1,78% and FF+ 0,76%.

The DA firmly believes it would grow its support base considerably, thanks to the rise of the EFF and the demise of Cope.

In the 29 Steve Tshwete wards, 76 voting districts have been demarcated.

All eyes are however on Ward 15, Kanonkop, where four women – the ANC’s Rehana Pilodia, the DA’s Helda de Klerk, EFF’s Miah Beatric and ACDP’s Susan Jardine, will battle things out alongside the FF+’s Johan Duvenhage.

Results for Ward 10 (Eastdene, Hlalamnandi and part of Central), are also awaited with baited breath following the exclusion of Nasaret, that swung the vote in the DA’s favour in 2011.

Residents are also very interested to see how many votes the EFF’s only white candidate, Mr George le Roux, contesting Groenkol, will attain against the ANC’s Jospeh Mohlolo, the DA’s Susan-Mari Wait, ACDP’s Christina Jardine, Jonathan Haarhoff of the FF+ and the United Constructive Party’s Cecilia Brandt.

Doornkop where two independent candidates will go to heads with all the major parties, also promises to render an interesting outcome.

Voting stations across town and surrounds, will open at 07:00 and close at 19:00.

The provincial IEC office told www.mobserver.co.za that verified results will start trickling in around Thursday afternoon.

• www.mobserver.co.za request all residents, those that are turned away from their traditional voting stations, as well as those who are approached by dodgy party agents, and all who are intimidated at polling stations, to call or SMS 072 248 3855 with their details, so that the paper can follow up on all irregularities.