By Johnathan Paoli
The Electoral Commission (IEC) is deploying an additional 14,000 voter management devices and strengthening its election systems as 29.2 million registered voters prepare for the local government elections next Wednesday.
Speaking at the launch of the national results operations centre (ROC) at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Wednesday, IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo confirmed that the commission had completed the necessary preparations.
He declared the results system ready ahead of the polls.
ALSO READ: Elite runners from 10 countries to compete at Region 5 champs in Pretoria
“This results centre is not a mere physical infrastructure. This results centre is something much greater that speaks to our constitutional ethos as an electoral democracy.
“This ROC is a foundation that beholds our electoral transparency. It is, in fact, a temporary monument of electoral integrity, which espouses transparency beyond measure. On another level, this ROC is also an attestation of our electoral readiness,” Mamabolo said.
The commission is introducing the additional devices on top of 40,000 already procured, with the aim of improving voting efficiency, particularly at heavily populated stations.
“Ultimately, this intervention will confer on the voter a better voting station experience, especially as it relates to how long it takes to cast a ballot,” he said.
The preparations follow concerns about long queues during previous elections.
IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said the commission had examined its performance after approximately 850 voting stations opened or closed late during the 2024 elections because of long queues.
The commission is also preparing to accommodate voters who cannot cast their ballots on election day, with 2.6 million special votes approved and more than 600,000 home visits scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.
A total of 80% of approved home visits are for voters older than 60, while women account for 74% of approved special votes.
Moepya said delivering a credible election required cooperation beyond the commission itself.
ALSO READ: Melville residents again take to streets as Joburg water protests surge ahead of local elections
“This is just too big for the Electoral Commission alone. This afternoon, the Electoral Commission offers 29.2 million thank yous, one for every unique citizen captured on our national voters’ roll. Behind each entry lies an individual, a story, a family, a community, a struggle, a shared aspiration and a will for democracy to prosper in our land,” Moepya said.
More than 23,000 voting stations will be used across the country, while over 136,000 candidates are contesting the elections.
The national ROC will coordinate the monitoring and communication of results.
A new virtual centre will also allow political parties and other stakeholders to access results and reports remotely.
Independent audits had identified findings that were subsequently addressed, while five political parties had reviewed the results system without reporting material findings.
Moepya said public confidence had to be earned through transparency and accountability.
“Trust is never a permanent entitlement we have. It must be continuously earned through institutional transparency and behavioural compliance,” he said.
With preparations entering their final stage, the IEC is urging voters to participate in determining the future of their municipalities.
Moepya called on registered voters to “stand up, show up, and cast their ballots” on 4 November.
