The 2016 elections so far

by | Aug 3, 2016

The start to the 2016 municipal elections has been smooth sailing for both the IEC and voters around the country, aside from a few small challenges.

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials have reported a few cases of voting stations not being opened on time, mainly because incorrect ballots being delivered and bad weather conditions. Chief Electoral Officer, Mosotho Moepya, however, said that despite the challenges, all voters would be provided with the correct ballots.

There have been no reported incidents of violence. Voting stations in the troubled Limpopo region of Vuwani had been blocked off by members of the community, however, IEC officials set up a makeshift voting station instead. Other member of the community are holding soccer tournaments as an alternative form of protest.

Political leaders have shown up at their respective voting stations around the country to make their mark. President Jacob Zuma, former president Thabo Mbeki, Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane, former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe and Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema, all voted earlier today, while posing for photographs and in Thabo Mbeki’s case – holding impromptu press conferences.

The Department of Home Affairs has also been open since 7am to facilitate collection of ID documents, and to issue temporary IDs.