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Deputy Chief Electoral Officer of the IEC, Mashego Sheburi, addressing the media at the National Resul Operation Center in Midrand, Johannesburg.
(The Post News) – The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) held a media briefing at the National Results Operating Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, where an update on voting progress was given.
According to the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer of the IEC, Mashego Sheburi, there were minor delays, but the elections got off to a pleasant start, and 93% of the voting stations were open on time.
The remaining voting stations had delays, but they were open shortly after the initial opening time.
Sheburi said that some stations were open late due to delays in material handling, a lack of security personnel to escort the material, and protests in some communities.
Voting stations were set to open at 7 am on May 28.
Sheburi said that South Africans demonstrated how eager they are to record their political preference by forming ques.
He assured voters that the IEC honours its commitment and will ensure that all registered voters get an opportunity to cast their votes before voting closes at 21:00 tonight.
He mentioned that at noon there were minimal instances they had to deal with, like voting material delays in some parts of Johannesburg.
Five stations remained closed in the Eastern Cape due to protests but eventually, they were opened.
He added that 20 eThekwini voting stations had to open after nine o’clock due to protests as well.
There have been reports of a shortage of ballot papers; however, Sheburi clarified that ballot papers are available, but the problem is logistics.
He assured voters that the IEC has enough voting material and that all voters will be attended to at their designated voting stations unless they have requested to vote elsewhere.
Moreover, inmates in various correctional services are also given a chance to cast their votes. Sheburi confirmed that registered inmates had begun voting in different correctional facilities across the country, and they were granted the opportunity to cast their votes in respect of Section 24(b) of the Electoral Act.
According to Sheburi, results will not be transmitted from voting stations to a data centre, but they will be recorded at the local office of the IEC in the presence of party agents and representatives of independent candidates.
He said that by 11:00 am, a lot of people had voted. However, the law prevents him from mentioning the exact number of those people and voting results will only be announced after all valid votes have been verified.
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