All protocols are in place in the North West province ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections with police set to be deployed at the 1 750 voting stations across North West.

The Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, gave this assurance during a media briefing on the province’s state of readiness ahead of the special voting period from November 2-3 and the general voting day on Wednesday, November 4.

Adams explained that the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJoints) has developed a comprehensive security and operational plan to ensure that voters, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials, political party representatives and other stakeholders could participate in the elections without fear of intimidation or interference.

He emphasised that the province’s preparedness extended beyond operational planning and deployments with three simulation exercises conducted in recent days to test the response to potential incidents and challenges.

According to Adams, the North West currently has no voting stations classified as high risk. However, 377 stations have been identified as medium risk, with the remaining stations classified as low risk.

The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure will meet as often as required throughout the election period to coordinate responses, share information and address developments.

Adams also issued a stern warning against attempts to disrupt electoral activities, intimidate voters or interfere with the IEC’s work.

“We recognise and respect the constitutional right of every individual to a peaceful and lawful protest. However, I would also want to caution those that are intending to cause disruptions and to bring this process in disrepute that we will not power, we will not take any prisoners if that is the case.”

He called on communities, political parties, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to promote tolerance, report suspicious activities and refrain from spreading misinformation.

“I appeal to all citizens of the North West to refrain from disseminating misinformation, to refrain from engaging in acts of intimidation or participating in activities that might undermine the credibility and integrity of these elections. Elections belong to the people of South Africa and protecting a democratic process is a shared responsibility.”

On Special Voting days (November 2-3), voting hours are from 08:00-17:00.

Voting stations open from 07:00-21:00 on Wednesday, November 4.