The IEC’s Electoral Officer in the province, Jabulani Tshabalala, has confirmed that it’s all systems go for the big day, and that the protests that were seen earlier on Tuesday during special votes will hopefully not resurface as the IEC, together with members of the South African Police Service, have taken measures to ensure that security measures get tightened in all the towns where there have been threats.

His confirmation comes after the towns of Viljoenskroon, Marquard, Tweeling, and Kroonstad were counted among those needing to be closely monitored after a community hall at Viljoenskroon and a clinic were set alight by protesters. Tshabalala confirmed that a total of 1 529 voting stations throughout the province are expected to be fully functional by 7 am.

All registered voters are urged to make their way to the polls with their coded ID cards, green ID books or temporary ID’s. The Department of Home Affairs has, in the meantime, announced that it has extended its working hours until nine o’clock at night to accommodate those who are still in need of ID’s.

Police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, has told OFM News that 24 people have thus far been arrested in relation to the unrest that broke out in Viljoenskroon and that all their forces are on the ground and are keeping a close eye on all the areas where there have been sporadic protests.

OFM News