CAPE TOWN - Protests over a lack of basic services left the IEC unable to open nine registration sites during the second day of the registration weekend, the commission confirmed on Sunday.
“The commission also reports that only nine of the 23 151 registration stations did not open today. This was mainly because of service delivery protests. The commission continues to work with the South African Police Service and local leaders to resolve the problems,” said IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela.
The commission was able to register 29 305 voters in the early part of the day, with the use of the new Voter Management Devices (VMDs). This was in addition to the 598 000 who were registered by the close of business on Saturday .
“The VMDs have been performing admirably today in all provinces. The registration weekend has also seen heightened use of the Online Portal for registration. So far, 39 519 voters have registered for the elections using the portal, which remains open until midnight tomorrow - 20 September 2021. We encourage South Africans to continue making use of this facility.”
The commission has also announced opening of applications for Special Votes on Monday, urging South Africans who wish to apply to do so online or at the MEO (Municipal Electoral Officer) office.
Nomination of candidates for the municipal elections re-opened and closes on Tuesday at 5pm.
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is expected to hand down judgment on Monday, on the DA application challenging the IEC’s move to re-open the candidate registration process for the upcoming local government elections.
The re-opening of candidate registration caused the DA to go to the apex court to challenge the decision.
Cape Times