#2026Localelections: Soweto voters wait hours in slow Protea Glen election queues
Tensions ran high outside a Soweto polling station as sudden procedural changes left residents queuing for hours.
Voters expressed frustration as long delays and slow-moving queues disrupted the Local Government Elections voting process at Protea Glen Secondary School today.
According to information received by Urban News, voters had been queuing from 05:00, with little to no movement in the lines.
One resident said voters had been waiting since the IEC voting station opened.
He said at about 08:00, they were informed that voting would be conducted alphabetically, a development that further increased frustration and annoyance among those waiting in the queues.
ALSO READ: #2026Localelections: Pimville voters demand service delivery overhaul at polls
He added that residents did not agree with the arrangement, expressing frustration over the changes to the queuing system.
“I have been here since 07:00, and it is now 10:00, but I still haven’t voted. I am very disappointed. I have been waiting for hours, and I am slowly losing patience. However, because I want to see changes in my community, I am not going anywhere until I cast my vote,” he said.
He further stated that the queue only started moving at around 09:00, after voters had waited for several hours.
Queues separated for vulnerable voters
ALSO READ: #2026Localelections:Elderly Dobsonville voters demand jobs and housing in Ward 48 election
Upon Urban News’ arrival, the queues had been divided, with one designated for elderly people and people with disabilities and another for the remaining voters.
Another frustrated voter told Urban News that he had arrived at the voting station as early as 06:00, expecting to cast his vote without such a lengthy delay.
“Casting my vote took longer than I expected. However, it was important for me to vote today because I hope to see change in my neighbourhood and better opportunities for our community,” he said.
Urban News attempted to get a comment from the IEC presiding officer regarding the delays and the possible reasons behind the slow voting process.
However, the officer declined to comment, stating that they were not authorised to speak to the media.
