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Millions of South Africans made their way to voting stations from 7:00 on May 29 to cast their votes for the 2024 national elections. NONTOBEKO AISHA MKHWANAZI
WHILE Western Cape Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Provincial Electoral Officer, Michael Hendrickse, could not indicate the voter turnout out at a press briefing earlier on voting day, these elections could witness a higher voter turnout.
In a recent eNCA election poll conducted by Mark Data of 346 000 in-person interviews, 65% of them indicated a definite participation in these elections.
The initial eNCA election poll in February showed the Democratic Alliance (DA) at 37.2%, the African National Congress (ANC) at 20.4%, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at 14.8%, and other parties at 12.6% in the Western Cape.
A second poll in May indicated changes: DA at 44.4%, ANC at 29.1%, others at 11.3%, EFF at 9.3%, GOOD at 3.1%, Patriotic Alliance (PA) at 1.7%, and Al-Jama-ah at 1.1%.
In his press briefing, Hendrickse had urged political parties, individuals, and their supporters to adhere to the electoral code of conduct. He reminded them that while South African political life can be loud and rowdy, this did not justify disruptive, abusive, or violent behaviour.
The constitution, he stressed, upholds freedom of expression and opinion but condemns actions that jeopardise free and fair elections and the rights of voters.
He also expressed gratitude to those who had voted and apologised to those who experienced an inconvenience during the voting process.
Among the incidents reported to the Western Cape IEC included long queues, problems with voter management devices (VMDs), and a shooting at the Cape Flats.
Among the voting stations with long queues which Hendrickse cited was Rylands High School, stating that additional support had been given to resolve the matter.
He also confirmed that not all voting stations in the province opened on time due to the late arrival of staff.
‘By 07:45 all 1 572 polling stations were operational,’ said Hendrikse.
He said the problems with VMDs were addressed by instructing staff to record the voters’ details – name and id number – manually.
‘Voting can proceed even if VMDs are not working, as they can operate offline and data can be uploaded later,’ Hendrikse added.
Addressing concerns raised by some voters that at a number of polling stations there was only one box for all three ballot papers – national, regional and provincial – Hendrickse stressed that this would not nullify those votes but may delay the counting of votes.
In Manenberg, he said, police were deployed following a shooting near a voting station where a 19-year-old man was killed. The suspects remain at large and a murder investigation is underway. Police have since increased their presence in the area, ensuring calm.
Protests also occurred in Ocean View, where about 80 women and children marched peacefully in support of Palestine.
He said there was a protest in Philippi where tyres were being burnt, but police managed the situation without arrests.
Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, assured the public that police had prioritised their safety at voting stations.
In the Western Cape there are 1 572 voting stations and over 19 000 electoral staff.
The national ballot featured 52 parties, while the Western Cape regional ballot included 34 parties and one independent candidate, and the provincial ballot had 29 political parties.
Hendrickse also confirmed that the electoral team conducted the voting process at 34 correctional services across the province.
VOTERS’ VIEWS
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The 2024 national elections mark a crucial point in South Africa’s democratic journey. As the day continued to unfold this is what people had to say about their experiences:
First-time voter Amina Magwaza expressed excitement noting the importance of her vote.
‘Voting for the first time was an exciting experience. I was a little nervous at first, but that soon gave way to excitement as I understood the importance of my vote. It felt great to know that my voice mattered and that I was helping shape the future of our country. Voting was truly empowering,’ said Magwaza.
Sakina Tawana, who is also a first-time voter, highlighted that she felt a sense of duty to her country. She emphasised the significance of participating in the democratic process and called for modernising the voting system to include online options. Her perspective reflected the sentiments of many young voters who seek greater convenience and efficiency in the electoral process.
Ishack Allie stressed the need for change, hoping for improved education and government involvement in youth issues.
‘As a country we need change. Our standard of education needs to increase while its price needs to decrease. We need our government to ensure that the poor don’t remain poor while the rich get richer. We need the government to be more involved in the youth and work hand in hand to curb the teenage pregnancy rate and the shocking unemployment youth rate. My vote today is me hoping to see a better South Africa,’ said Ishack.
Zubeida Allie voted for change, citing Nelson Mandela’s belief that freedom is incomplete without justice for Palestine.
‘As I vote today, I vote for change not only for myself and the country but for all the people of Palestine. As Nelson Mandela said our freedom is incomplete without the people of Palestine,’ Zubeida declared.
Naseema Hassan, reflecting on past disappointments, remained hopeful for progress. She urged fellow citizens to exercise their right to vote, stressing that abstention forfeits the right to complain about the elected government. Her message underscored the importance of civic participation and the power of each vote.
‘We have been disappointed in the past. I always remain hopeful that we will have a better South Africa after this election. A few decades ago, we had no right to vote, today we have the democratic right to vote. And should one not utilise this vote they forfeit the right to complain once there is an elected government in place,’ said Hassan.
As the vote counting now continues, the nation watches with anticipation. The outcomes will shape South Africa’s political landscape, reflecting the collective will of its people. The IEC, along with the police and electoral staff, continue to work tirelessly to ensure that this watershed election proceeds with integrity and that every vote counts towards building the nation’s future.
