The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged all South Africans to rally behind democracy as the country hosts the general and provincial elections next week.
“Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture, where the road to these historic elections approaches its final and most critical stages,” said IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo during the official opening of the national results operation centre (ROC), nestled at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg, on Wednesday.
Mamabolo said that on May 18, a beacon of electoral light pierced the global darkness as the first votes were cast, and a jaw-dropping 56 800 votes were lodged at South Africa’s 111 foreign missions worldwide.
High voter turnout
He said that in London, the UK, an extra day was required on May 19 to accommodate the high voter turnout.
On May 27 and 28, the commission will conduct special votes involving 1 668 076 South Africans who applied and were approved.
“The commission will visit 624 593 voters at their homes or places of confinement, and 1 043 483 will be assisted at voting stations where they are registered,” said Mamabolo.
Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape, according to Mamabolo, have the most approved special votes, which will take place under the close supervision of political party agents, independent candidates, and accredited observers.
“As we embark on this momentous journey, we find inspiration in the unwavering commitment of our staff, who will be present at all 23 303 voting stations, diligently attending to the needs of those unable to visit the stations, ensuring a seamless and inclusive voting experience for all.”
Over 90-million ballots printed and delivered
In preparation for the elections, the IEC has printed and delivered over 90-million ballots, each painstakingly crafted to meet the rigorous standards of this historic event.
The IEC will present voters with not one, not two, but three ballot papers: the national compensatory ballot, the provincial ballot, and the regional ballot for both parties and independent candidates.
And lest you forget, dear voter, said Mamabolo, the cardinal rule: “One ballot, one mark.” Preferably inside the box.
He said the ROC would serve as the pulsating heart of the electoral process, replete with commission members, operational areas, political party representatives, observer missions, and a gaggle of media representatives from around the globe.
There will be ROCs across all nine provinces, and a record-shattering 160 organisations will deploy over 5 000 observers from around the world to scrutinise and validate the electoral process.
Among these, he counted the African Union, the Carter Centre Democracy Programme, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, who will join homegrown watchdogs in a monumental celebration of transparency and accountability.
“In our pursuit of inclusivity, we have implemented measures to ensure that the voting process is accessible to all South Africans, regardless of physical abilities,” he said.
Voters with disabilities
He added that the IEC collaborated with the South African National Council for the Blind to create the Universal Ballot Template to empower voters with disabilities to mark their ballots with the utmost secrecy.
“As we approach this historic moment, we remind all voters of the sacred principle that governs our elections: a person votes at the voting station where they are registered.
“The only exception to this rule is for those who have duly notified the commission of their intention to vote outside their registered voting district.”
He went on to state that the IEC was committed to delivering an election outcome reflective of the South African people’s will — the true guardians of democracy.
“May the spirit of unity, peace, and patriotism guide us as we embark on this historic journey, ensuring that the will of the people remains the unwavering foundation upon which our nation’s future is built,” said Mamabolo.
