The Independent Electoral Commission's Officer, Tumi Thiba, says the province is ready for the elections and it’s all systems go as the country has started counting down to the much-anticipated general elections.

The province, currently under administration following the unrest that broke out last year over service delivery issues and calls for former premier Supra Mahumapelo to step down, will be contested by 29 political parties.

Thiba says they are in discussion with security personnel, particularly with transportation of ballot papers and other issues that might arise. 

She says the commission is also in talks with the provincial joint operation committee on other contingency plans including possible localised floods in the province. 

Thiba told OFM News they have noted on-going protests in the province and unfavourable weather conditions, but are positive all their plans will fall into place.

A total of 1 733 voting stations will be opened across the province.

With only about two weeks to the elections, the IEC in the Free State has also confirmed that it is confident the elections will run smoothly. 

Spokesperson Mmabatho Rasengane told OFM News all 1 529 voting stations across the Free State have been contracted and are ready to deploy all their staff. 

Rasengane highlighted that all preparations are on track and they are finalising the training of all electorate staff and that all security measures have been put in place.

In the Free State 28 political parties, including the 11 that are new, are set to contest the elections with 1,4 million registered voters expected to cast a ballot.

OFM News