IEC Special Votes Day 1: Over 700k votes cast despite delays - IOL

The IEC has reported a slight successful day 1 of the special votes on Tuesday.

More than 780,000 special votes were cast on the first day of voting, with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) reporting a largely successful opening despite delays at several voting stations.

IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo confirmed the figures during a media briefing on Monday evening, saying stations affected by delivery delays were eventually resolved, allowing all affected sites to open and operate.

Mamabolo said the disruptions had been addressed and that the commission was satisfied with the day's overall performance.

“We are pleased to announce that subsequently, all affected voting stations opened and remained operational,” he said.

He added that the first day had provided a foundation for smoother operations on Tuesday and election day.

“The first day of Special Voting concluded at 5pm and the Commission is satisfied that the day’s proceedings creates a solid basis for improved performance on day two of special votes and on election day,” Mamabolo said.

The IEC thanked voters, political parties, candidates and election personnel for their cooperation, particularly officials who staffed voting stations and conducted home visits to assist eligible voters.

With special voting continuing on Tuesday, the commission urged all approved voters who have not yet cast their ballots to use the remaining opportunity.

Mamabolo also stressed the importance of protecting ballot secrecy and maintaining order, warning voters against photographing marked ballot papers, an activity strictly prohibited at voting stations.

Voters must mark their ballots privately in designated voting compartments and follow instructions from election officials.

The commission further warned against campaigning, canvassing, intimidation or attempts to influence voters inside voting stations.

It urged everyone to respect fellow voters and avoid disrupting proceedings as the special voting process moves into its second day.