Election Day: Disruption and delays reported at these 12 voting stations

At least a dozen voting stations have been hit by major disruptions on Monday morning, after the ballot boxes opened for the 2021 Local Elections. The IEC has been working flat-out to deliver a free and fair vote, but already, a series of delays and hold-ups have threatened the democratic process in some regions.

Voting stations hit by ‘major disruptions’

A shortage of ballot papers has already been reported for some wards based in Johannesburg and Ga-Rankuwa. Administrative errors, technical glitches, and inefficient management has been blamed for chaos elsewhere.

Most voting stations across the country have gotten off to a flying start, but the minority of those hit by clerical issues are threatening to undermine the successes elsewhere. The IEC, meanwhile, is now in ‘damage limitation’ mode.

IEC acknowledge ‘series of challenges’

The Commission posted a statement on their social media accounts, after a raft of complaints were sent to them online. As the IEC put it, they are now battling to resolve ‘certain challenges’ across the country.

“We are aware of challenges in certain polling stations and all issues are receiving our attention. Ensuring that South Africans exercise their democratic right, safely and with as little disruption as possible remains our top priority.”

IEC statement

List: Voting stations that have been disrupted so far…

As of 10:30 on Monday 1 November, there were 12 voting stations that had been acknowledged as a ‘problem area’ for the IEC, with Gauteng copping most of the heat. Issues in North West, Limpopo, and KZN have also surfaced.

Where have there been disruptions so far?

• Phakamisani Primary School, Ward 5, Vereeniging.
• Thabo Mpempe Primary School, Ward 3, Ditsobotla.
• Copesville Secondary School, Ward 29, Copesville.
• Rembrandt Park, Ward 81, Johannesburg.
• Jacaranda Primary School, Ward 61, Laudium.
• City of Tshwane, Ward 47, Pretoria.
• Bizana, Multiple Wards (PROTESTS), Eastern Cape.
• Bryneven Primary School, Ward 103, Bryanston.
• Lebogang Primary School, Zone 4, Ga-Rankuwa.
• City of Tshwane, Ward 59, Pretoria.
• Midstream College, Ward 1, Ekurhuleni.
• Rand Park Primary School, Ward 101, Johannesburg.

We are aware of challenges in certain polling stations and all issues are receiving our attention. Ensuring that South Africans exercise their democratic right, safely and with as little disruption as possible remains our top priority. pic.twitter.com/uYd3NiNnCD

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) November 1, 2021