The by-election is scheduled to take place on Wednesday (9/7) following the resignation of the ward’s previous councillor, who represented the DA.

Ward 14, which includes parts of the Vaalpark area, is considered a safe seat for the DA, and will now be contested by four candidates, including:

• Morné Pienaar – Freedom Front Plus (VF PLUS)
• Machabe George Tsotetsi – African National Congress (ANC)
• Johannes Hendrik Petrus Human – Democratic Alliance (DA)
• Lisebo Emily Masoha – Kingdom Ambassadors Movement (KAM)

According to the IEC, 3,586 registered voters in the ward are eligible to participate in this crucial by-election. IEC Free State spokesperson Mmathabo Rasengane confirmed that three voting stations will be operational on election day. The voting stations include Leeuwspruit Primary School, Vaalpark Primary School and Ledibohong Primary School

These stations will be open from 07:00 to 21:00 to accommodate voters.

Special votes will be conducted on Tuesday (8/7), between 08:00 and 17:00, for those who applied and were approved for this voting option.

During the 2021 Municipal Elections, Ward 14 recorded an impressive voter turnout of 61.84%, highlighting strong community engagement in the democratic process. The DA secured the ward in that election.

The IEC has called on all registered voters to participate in the upcoming poll and ensure that the by-election proceeds peacefully and fairly.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg