SEBOKENG. – “Why do we have to be called by alphabets when we have all registered to vote?”

This question came from the voters that came to vote at the Mohaladitoe Secondary School voting station in Zone 10 Extension 3 today. Many told of their dismay when they discovered that those with surnames (alphabets) that start early on the alphabet-table were meant to vote first, even though they had arrived late at the station to vote.

Another problem, at the station was that it was opened late. Aaron Thobane, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Presiding Officer at the station said that was due to security reasons with regards to seals on the ballot boxes.

Onica Ramoipone (72) said that as a pensioner she was angry that she had been turned away from the voting station, since Monday, as her name could not be discovered on the voting list.

“I came also yesterday and was told to come today to vote like everybody else. What was the use then of me having registered for special votes. That being said, I have come to exercise my right. I am voting today?” she asked.

Another issue that the voters were faced with was the issue of space with classes being too small to accommodate voters, IEC officials and party agents.

“We are working on sorting that out,” Thobane said when Sedibeng Ster moved to another voting station.

Meanwhile, at the Full Gospel Church voting station in Zone 11, Sebokeng, the Deputy Presiding Officer who identified herself as, Vivian Mapofane did not allow the media inside the voting station and premises.

“No media is allowed inside here. You can do your job, but outside of this yard,” she said when Sedibeng Ster told her we (the media) were permitted to do our job.