The Independent Electoral Commission in the Eastern Cape said that Day One of special voting “successfully commenced” with home visits and voting station visits being undertaken.
“A total number of 110 630 special vote applications were approved in the Eastern Cape,” the IEC said in a statement late Monday.
However, it said that inclement weather had proven to be a challenge in some areas, particularly around Mazeppa Bay where a river has flooded, making it difficult to access some voters for home visits.
“Alternative routes are being sourced and telephone contact with the voters has been made to assure them that every effort is being made to reach them, if not today, it will be tomorrow (Tuesday).
The IEC said in Buffalo City Metro, ten tent sites opened late due to being let down by the service provider.
“This substandard service by the contractor is being investigated, but assurance is given that tents have since been erected,” the IEC said.
The Electoral Commission said where access to voting stations were hampered by service delivery protests the IEC worked closely with security forces who assisted in getting the stations opened, albeit it slightly late in a few cases.
“Voters who applied for a special vote and received confirmation of acceptance are reminded that if they have not voted today (Monday) they will either be visited at home if they applied for a home visit or are urged to visit their voting stations before 17h00 tomorrow (Tuesday).”
