According to the IEC in the province this number is concerning, taking into account the 1.4 million registered voters that were expected to head to the polls. Provincial Manager, Itumeleng Liba, says the current cold, rainy weather conditions can be cited as one of the main reasons why the province is experiencing a low turnout. He says they, however, remain hopeful that this number will increase as the elections proceed. A total of 1 529 voting stations are expected to remain open until 9pm tonight.

“For the remaining hours, the Commission would like to encourage voters that have not yet voted to visit their voting stations and vote.”

He alludes that elections that were interrupted in areas such as Marquard, where there have been service delivery protests which affected 12 voting stations, are underway without any destructions.

This includes areas in Maluti-A-Phofung where a tent was reportedly stolen, as well as at various voting stations that opened later than 7am.

“The stations in Marquard opened at 10 am after the SAPS intervened and escorted our electoral staff to the stations. Voting in that town is proceeding without any interruptions,” says Liba.

He, nonetheless, refutes allegations that there are voting stations in Bloemfontein that have a shortage of ballot papers.

“The Electoral Commission assures voters that adequate supplies of all materials, including more than 17 994 ballot books, are available and every voter will be assisted to vote.”

OFM News