It's all systems go for election day, there'll be no tolerance for misconduct, says IEC
The IEC said two people were arrested for tampering with ballot boxes during the two-day special voting period.
Picture: Instagram/iecsouthafrica
JOHANNESBURG - The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it’s all systems go as the country prepares to go to the polls on Wednesday morning.
More than 26 million South Africans are registered to vote in the country’s national and provincial elections, in what’s expected to be the most pivotal polls since 1994.
IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said they are ready to open their doors for voters to choose leaders for the seventh democratic administration.
“The network of 23,000 voting stations will open at 7 am and close at 9 pm.”
Mamabolo said in order to cast their ballot, voters will need a green barcoded ID book, a smartcard ID or a temporary identification certificate.
He reiterated that for the first time in the country’s history, there would be three ballots:
“There’ll be the national proportional ballot, the province-to-national ballot, as well as the provincial ballot.”
Close to a million people have already cast their special votes.
“The lessons and experiences over the past two days of special votes are invaluable and will be used for further refinement to positively impact on voter experience.”
ARRESTS
The IEC said two people were arrested for tampering with ballot boxes during the two-day special voting period.
This as the commission opened for special votes at about 22,000 polling stations across the country at the start of the week.
While the IEC says the process was largely successful, claims of disruptions and allegations of vote rigging were reported in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.
Mamabolo confirmed the arrests at a media briefing at the National Results Operation Centre in Midrand on Tuesday.
“Two arrests have been effected and at least two cases are being investigated by police for interference with electoral material, as well as electoral processes.”
Mamabolo warned that there would be zero tolerance for misconduct.
“Interference with the unfolding of the electoral programme, logistical handling or even intimidation of electoral staff cannot be justified.”