Majority of voting stations that were unable to open in EC's OR Tambo region hit by taxi violence - IEC
IEC deputy chief electoral officer, Masego Sheburi, said that the failure to open at these stations was not a result of the IEC's ineptness.
Masego Sheburi, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer of the IEC. Picture: X/@IECSouthAfrica
JOHANNESBURG - The Electoral Commission (IEC) said that despite a good start to special voting on Monday, some voting stations in parts of the country were hit by disruptions.
More than 100 voting stations were unable to open their doors on Monday.
IEC officials confirmed the number during a media briefing on Monday.
A number of roads, including the N2 and the R61, near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape were blocked by taxis amid unrest in the area on Monday.
IEC deputy chief electoral officer, Masego Sheburi, said that the failure to open at these stations was not a result of the IEC's ineptness.
"The majority of stations are in the OR Tambo region, owing to the ongoing taxi strike in that area."
Sheburi said that a risk assessment would be done to determine a way forward.
"The NatJoints are dealing with the matter but on our part, we will do everything humanly possible to extend a right to those people without placing at risk our own staff. We will continue to work with the NatJoints to see if circumstances permit for stations to open tomorrow."
More than 1.6 million people are registered for special voting between Monday and Tuesday.