.png)
KASiBC_AFRiCA ©®™
2026 Local Government Elections: IEC Calls on Late Voters as Turnout Hits 12 Million Ahead of 21:00 Poll Closure
PRETORIA — The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has issued a final push to voters across the nation to make their way to voting stations before polls close at 21:00 tonight for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Speaking during an 18:00 media briefing on Election Day, the Commission confirmed that operations have proceeded smoothly across the country, despite isolated incidents and localized power disruptions.
Over 12 Million Votes Cast
As of 17:00 today, preliminary voter turnout figures showed that over 12 million South Africans had already exercised their right to vote.
Gauteng leads the provincial turnout with 3 million voters, followed closely by KwaZulu-Natal with 2.5 million and the Western Cape at 1.5 million.
Provincial Breakdown (as of 17:00):
Gauteng: 3,000,000
KwaZulu-Natal: 2,500,000
Western Cape: 1,500,000
Eastern Cape: 1,400,000
Limpopo: 1,100,000
Mpumalanga: 854,901
North West: 702,137
Free State: 588,237
Northern Cape: 299,381
"No One in Queue Will Be Turned Away"
Addressing concerns over evening queues and load-shedding or local power outages, the IEC reassured citizens that backup generators and alternative lighting facilities are positioned at affected stations to safeguard the counting process.
Crucially, the Commission clarified that any eligible voter who is inside the queue at their registered voting station by 21:00 will be permitted to vote, even if the voting process extends past the cutoff hour.
"We encourage voters not to leave it until the last minute, but to use the remaining time to visit voting stations," the Commission stated, reiterating its campaign slogan: "Get Up. Show Up. Vote!"
Counting and Verification Protocol
Once polling stations officially close, counting will begin immediately on-site in the presence of political party agents, independent candidate representatives, and accredited observers.
Ballot Verification: Sealed boxes will be opened and checked for the official security stamp.
Sorting & Counting: Ballots will be counted separately for Proportional Representation (PR) and Ward candidates (as well as District Council PR ballots where applicable).
Reconciliation: Results will be reconciled against issued, unused, and spoiled ballots.
Public Display: Signed result slips will be posted publicly at each voting station. Party agents are permitted to photograph these slips for transparency.
Audit & Declaration: Results will be scanned, verified, and independently audited at local Results Operations Centres.
The IEC has up to seven days to resolve any outstanding queries, complete verification, and officially declare the final municipal seat allocations.
KASiBCAFRiCA©®™ NEWS • AUDIO • VIDEO • SPORTS • EVENTS • TOURS • STORES
The application form will open in a new browser tab.
No comments:
Post a Comment
KASIPEOPLE