Free state IEC spokesperson, Mathabo Rasengane, tells OFM News that the most recent statistics indicate that over 145 000 voters managed to cast their ballots by 15:00 on Monday. This is roughly 10% of the number of registered voters in the Free State. 

She says that they are disappointed that the turn-out has stagnated from what was expected. According to Rasengane, 850 of the people visited on the first day of special votes were unavailable, which indicates that the interest in the 2021 local government elections has decreased.

"We are still hopeful because we have until 9 o'clock this evening and we know some of our people would prefer to go when the queues are not so long. They would prefer to go in the evening or in the afternoon. So we are still encouraging voters to please go to your voting stations and come cast your ballot

And with that being said, we thank everyone who managed to go visit our voting stations and those who have not, please do the right thing," says Rasengane.

"The Electoral Commission Confirms that they managed to visit 19 871 voters who were approved for home visits during the two-day special votes. The number translates to 64% of the 32 683. 850 of the people visited on the first day of special votes were unavailable," adds Rasengane.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi and Lee Simmons