Voters turned out in large numbers on election day, with long queues forming at polling stations. (Delwyn Velassamy/M&G)
TThe South African Electoral Commission (IEC) expects turnout in Wednesday's general election to be higher than the 2019 election, at 66%.
Electoral Commission chairperson Si Mamabolo told a press conference on Wednesday night that there had been a surge in late voters, particularly in cities in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape, with polling stations struggling to cope with large numbers of voters.
He said the IEC's efforts were beginning to bear fruit as queues at polling stations were starting to thin out, adding that those still waiting in line would be allowed to vote past the official voting close at 9pm.
IEC officials vowed to remain at polling stations to ensure that all voters cast their votes.
Some political parties have expressed concern that people may abandon voting out of fear for their safety in the darkness, but Mamabolo said police would remain at stations and would also be patrolling.
Political parties have also complained that ballot control devices are hindering a smooth voting process. Mamabolo acknowledged this but said many variables influence internet use.
But the commission's main objective, he added, is to ensure that every voter in line has a chance to express their political choice and that there are enough ballot boxes and ballot papers.
“No one should be turned away,” Mamabolo said.
He said the likely high turnout meant the vote counting process was likely to take longer than initially thought.
The IEC said it had created a new category of staff to support chairpersons to improve the quality of counting and filling out result slips. Mamabolo said the recruitment criteria for these employees was slightly different to other employees, with a high level of numeracy being a must.
The IEC must announce the election results within seven days of voting, and Mamabolo said a prolonged period without announcing the results was not ideal.
Long queues and delays have sparked protests in some parts of the country.
At around 8pm, radio station Power FM reported growing frustration and anger among voters who had yet to cast their ballots in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni.
