CAPE TOWN - A presiding officer in the eThekwini Metro in Durban was arrested on Monday morning after allegedly stuffing marked ballots into a ballot box, the IEC said.
The matter is now in the hands of the SAPS.
“The Commission reports that a presiding officer in the eThekwini Metro was arrested after allegedly stuffing marked ballots into a ballot box.
“This incident, which did not affect voting, is a testament to the in-built safeguards in the voting process that also include an active role for party and independent candidate agents,” the IEC said.
The vast majority of the country’s 23 148 voting stations reported being open on time at 7am, and that voting was flowing smoothly.
The IEC said it was encouraged that many voting stations reported strong turnouts from early in the day.
“Delays in voting were reported in less than one percent of voting stations due to a variety of circumstances, including tents being blown over by high winds overnight and the late arrival of election staff and voting materials in a few voting stations.
“The Electoral Commission is also pleased to note that the weather was reported to be relatively good to mild in many parts of the country and had not adversely affected voting during the early part of the day.
“Voting will continue throughout the day until 9pm tonight when voting stations close.
“Voters who are at the voting station or in a queue at 9pm will be allowed to vote.
“Voters are reminded that they must vote only where they are registered.
“They can check their voting station details by dialling *120*432# or SMS their ID to 32810. The Contact Centre on 0800 11 8000 is also open until 9pm tonight to assist voters.
“Voters must have their ID documents with them, and are reminded that each ballot paper must be stamped on the reverse.
“Voters are also reminded that it is prohibited to take a photograph or ‘selfie’’ of their marked ballot paper. This is essential to protect the secrecy and integrity of their vote.
“The Electoral Commission would also like to remind all employers – especially those in the agriculture, retail, transport, mining and other sectors – that today has been declared a public holiday in order to allow all South Africans the opportunity to vote.”