The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said South Africans were showing enthusiasm on the first day of the National Registration Weekend.
According to a report from the Election Commission, registration went smoothly and more than 99% of stations were operational within minutes of the 8 a.m. start time.
Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Shibli said: “In the first hours of this two-day registration weekend, an incredible 304,221 voters visited polling places across the country. Of those, 55,019 were first-time registrants. It not only creates a positive atmosphere but also serves as evidence that the people remain engaged in national politics.”
western cape
The IEC in the Western Cape says its systems are in good shape, with more than 4,600 IEC staff stationed in every voting district. He has more than 1,500 voting precincts in the state, 26 of which are temporary.
State Elections Director Michael Hendrickse said on the first day of voter registration that he was pleased with the progress so far.
“We're happy that we're continuing to see a steady flow, but of course we're looking forward to a recovery for the rest of today and tomorrow as well. We've set certain goals as an organization, but… , we've far exceeded that goal. It's clear that we're not really worried about those goals. But we want to encourage everyone, first-time voters, to register and take advantage of this opportunity. Or, if you're already registered, please update your details to avoid disappointment if you end up at the wrong polling station at the next election.”
northwest
The IEC in North West Province announced that 10 polling stations in Bojanala district were not opened on time due to protests by local residents. The commission said nine polling stations in the Moses Kotane municipality and one polling station in Rustenburg were affected.
There are 1,738 polling places in the state.
johannesburg
In southern Johannesburg, voter registration got off to a slow start over the weekend. Residents of the Slobo Park informal settlement trickled into the voting booth.
Communities that have experienced violent protests over the past year say they are concerned that their demands for improvements in informal settlements are not being met.
Limpopo
Some people who register to vote for the first time are confident that their vote will count. One of them is Donald Lamola, who registered at Sekgakugapen in Mokopane, Limpopo. He says he's excited to exercise his right to vote.
“I came to register and it's my first time. I'm glad there aren't long lines. I'm impressed by the fact that I've been seeing more young prospective voters registering. In past elections, I didn't vote because I didn't think it mattered, but now I realize that my vote matters. My vote can make a difference.”
