Residents question fairness of elections
Many described the process as quick and efficient, with first time and younger voters thrilled to make their mark.
It was a busy start to the week on the South Coast with the local government elections which took place on Monday.
For many, it was a much anticipated event as residents took to their respective voting stations as early as 06:00.
Many described the process as quick and efficient, with first time and younger voters thrilled to make their mark.
Unfortunately, this was not the case for other residents who upon arrival, said they were denied ballot papers, the main reason being that they had apparently already voted.
This left many confused and disappointed especially because they had not yet voted nor were their thumbs inked.
Similarly, others were turned away after being told they were not registered on the system or they were at the incorrect voting station.
This was after residents claimed they had already changed their voting station during the registration period, which should have been updated.
Many took to Facebook to express their grievances and it was discovered that lots of residents were turned away for similar reasons.
Upset residents were left with more questions than answers, one of whom was Kishor Devi from Port Shepstone who went to vote at the Marburg Primary voting station.
The 71 year old had registered in the last voter registration however her information still reflected that she was to vote in Johannesburg.
Kishor has been an avid voter since 1994 and is extremely disappointed after being denied her vote.
After being discharged from hospital, she was looking forward to casting her vote and candidates kindly offered her a wheelchair as she was too weak to walk.
“I thought my vote could make a positive difference but I have now lost faith in the IEC,” said Kishor.
IEC confirmed the following in a statement at a press briefing on Tuesday, “The Commission confirmed that issues relating to voters not being able to vote, even though they were legally registered to do so are being investigated. Once investigations have been concluded, we will share the outcomes.”
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