Day 1 of special votes sees low turnout with a few hiccups

With more than 1.6-million people registered to cast special votes, a small percentage made their way to voting stations on Monday to be among the first to make their crosses for the parties of their choice.

At least 230,000 voters had marked their ballot papers by the afternoon as the Electoral Commission kicked off the first day of special votes between 9am and 5pm, which will continue on Tuesday.

This included those who applied for their ballot papers to be sent to their homes as IEC officials visited homes and care institutions for those who require assistance.

In collaboration with the SA National Council for the Blind, the IEC introduced the Braille voting system, where those who are visually impaired are guided on how to cast their vote without having to disclose their choice to IEC officials.

The morning started with a few glitches, such as the late arrival of ballot papers in some areas.

Voting in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape was disrupted by disgruntled taxi operators who blocked major routes in the morning. This led to the closure of more than 100 voting stations in the OR Tambo District.

“While we report a good start at the voting stations, there are areas at which we are not able to operate. Not because of unhappiness ... or external factors. One hundred and seven voting stations were not able to assist voters. The majority are largely in the OR Tambo District region, owing to the ongoing strike,” said IEC deputy CEO for electoral operation Masego Sheburi.

Speaking to TimesLIVE Premium, voters said they wanted to see change in the country with a common grievance being corruption.

A 72-year-old Centurion woman who wished to remain anonymous said she was tired of “charismatic” presidents.

“I want to see a lot of positive changes. All corruption must stop. We can’t go on like this. We need a president who is really worth it. A charismatic type of person doesn’t do it. I feel special now that I have cast my vote,” she said.

A man who wished to only to be identified as Jeffrey said he felt privileged to be able to cast his vote and hoped for peace and stability.

“There are countries that have oil and riches, like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but what is happening there? We can have all that we have, but if we don’t feel safe, it doesn’t help. I want to see peace and stability. The rest comes once there is peace and stability,” he said.

The special vote ballot papers will be securely stored and only counted on Wednesday.

“No ballot will leave without being counted. Party agents can take pictures of the results that are counted and captured on the result system, and they have until 9pm on Friday to raise objections that are material to the outcome of elections. We urge those who are approved to use the remainder of Tuesday to cast their special vote at a facility where they have been approved,” Sheburi said.