South Africans have registered, voting stations have been erected, security beefed-up, and pens purchased. It’s all systems go for today’s local government elections.
Here’s all you need to know about voting day:
- Voting will start at 7am and stations will close at 9pm.
- Voters who are still in queues by 9pm will not be turned away.
- Voters are reminded to vote where they are registered.
- Voters must be in the possession of a South African ID book.
- Each voter in a metropolitan municipality will receive two ballots, one for the political party and the other for the metro.
- Each ballot paper must be stamped. Those voting in districts will receive three ballots.
- It is illegal to take photos of the ballot paper.
- Citizens are advised to take their own pen to vote.
- Rain has been forecasted.
Chair of the Electoral Commission (IEC) Glen Mashinini spoke at the national electoral centre in Tshwane on Sunday night.
Mashinini said the commission acknowledged that registration details for about 140 000 voters had not been captured or updated before the voters roll was certified for use in this election. These voters will be permitted to vote as though they were in their districts on presenting proof that they had applied for registration before the proclamation of the elections.
As for COVID-19, “Voting stations will be safe, police will be in place. COVID-19 protocols will be provided and PPEs will be available to prevent the spread of the virus,” says Mashinini.
Citizens have been advised to take their own pen to vote, however the commission will provide stationary for voters if need be.
The SA Weather Service has forecasted rain, so be sure to take an umbrella, dress warmly, or take a raincoat.
🇿🇦A cold front will affect the Western and Northern Cape provinces today (01 Nov 2021) resulting in rainy, cold and windy conditions. The remainder of SA will experience warm to hot and windy conditions. Strong winds over the western and southern half of SA may cause disruptions. pic.twitter.com/zSN78ACd3d
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 1, 2021
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Contingency plans are said to be in place in case of tents blowing away or other disruptions caused as a result of the weather, and generators are on site in case of blackouts.
According to Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) chief executive Sy Mamabolo, they have increased the number of electoral officers and security has been beefed-up where there were disruptions (including protests and threats) over the weekend.
“All preparations are in place to achieve a free, fair and safe election during COVID-19. We are confident that we have done everything to prepare for the elections,” Mashinini said.
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Picture: Unsplash
