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Elections 2019: These voting stations have run out of ballot papers

The issue of voting stations running out of ballot papers has left voters fuming and Electoral Commission staff flustered.

IEC FF+ elections results

Image via Twitter: IEC South Africa
@IECSouthAfrica

Voting stations all over South Africa are running low on ballot papers, leading to major delays on Election Day.

Between isolated incidents of voter intimidation, electoral misconduct, late starts and grim weather, it’s safe to say that Election Day has gotten off to a sluggish start. Yet, the greatest threat to a smooth and simple voting process is the dire lack – and obvious mismanagement – of ballot papers.

Voting stations run dry

The issue of voting stations running out of ballot papers has left voters fuming and Electoral Commission staff flustered. Long queues and frustrating waiting hours have been exacerbated by, what voters are calling, incompetence on the part of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

While the IEC has admitted its shortcomings in this regard, it has offered up a reasonable explanation for the dire lack of ballot papers.

The situation is especially ominous in the Western Cape. The IEC’s provincial head, Courtney Sampson, announced that several stations were struggling to receive ballot papers on time. Sampson noted that, due to the poor weather – particularly in Cape Town – many residents were choosing to abandon their registered voting districts in favour of more convient options.

While voting at any station within your province is allowed, it has a led to a serious imbalance – one which the IEC didn’t adequately prepare for. As a result, ballot papers are running out at some stations while, at others, the papers pile up, unused.

Sampson added that the process of acquiring and transporting fresh ballot papers was tedious, yet necessary, adding to delays at dry voting stations.

According to Electoral Law, ballot papers can only be transferred along with a police escort. With the South African Police Service (SAPS) already spread thin – thanks to protest action and stationary security protocol – the delivery process has become even more laborious.

Voting stations which have run out of ballot papers

The list of stations that have run out papers will update below. In order to avoid delays as far as possible, go to vote where you have registered.