Voting stations will open from 07:00 in the morning till 21:00 in the evening.

Bloemfontein Courant's Justine Fortuin reports voters are encouraged to take their identity document (ID) with them – either a green barcoded ID book, a smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary ID Certificate.

The by-elections will be held under strict new Covid-19 protocols aimed at ensuring the safety of voters, election staff, party agents, observers, and other stakeholders.

The protocols include implementing strict social distancing practices outside and inside the voting stations, along with the use of hand sanitisers as voters enter and exit the voting station.

Voters, election staff, and all those entering the voting station will be required to wear a mask at all times. Voters are also encouraged to bring their own pens to mark their ballot papers, although pens will be provided and sanitised after each use.

The by-election will be contested by ten candidates from six political parties and two independent candidates.

Special votes for both municipalities, in the form of home and voting station visits, will take place on 18 May 2021 from 08:00 to 17:00.

Bloemfontein Courant/Justine Fortuin