Govt urges patience amid long queues and voting delays on election day
More than 29 million registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots at nearly 24,000 voting stations across the country, which are open until 9 pm this evening.
Mongezi Koko
Braamfontein's voting station in Wits University. Picture: Ntokozo Khumalo/EWN
Ntokozo Khumalo/EWN
The government is urging South Africans to remain patient as long queues and some voting-day challenges are reported at polling stations across the country.
More than 29 million registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots at nearly 24,000 voting stations across the country, which are open until 9 pm this evening.
Authorities are also urging voters to protect the secrecy of their ballots and to take weather conditions into account when making their way to the polls.
Voting has been underway since 7 am, with long queues reported in parts of Johannesburg, including Braamfontein.
However, some voters at Joubert Park were left frustrated after waiting in line for hours, only to be told they had to cast their ballots at different voting stations.
In Cape Town, voting got off to a steady start in areas including Nyanga and Bo-Kaap.
The government said that any challenges experienced by voters will be attended to by the relevant authorities. Home Affairs offices are also open until 9 pm to allow voters to collect ID documents and obtain temporary identification certificates.
Deputy government spokesperson William Baloyi warned voters not to photograph their marked ballot papers.
“Government also reminds citizens that it is prohibited for a voter to take a photograph of their marked ballot paper. This restriction is necessary to protect the secrecy of the choice of voters and to avoid voters being coerced or unduly induced into making political choices,” said Baloyi.
The government is also urging voters to head to polling stations early, as rain showers are expected in some parts of the country later today.
Those in hotter areas are being advised to stay hydrated and protect themselves from the sun.