In advance of Election Day on Wednesday, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has announced that it is prepared to handle the exceptional votes that are anticipated to be cast tomorrow and Tuesday.
Special votes have already been cast for South Africans who are currently abroad.
Domestic special votes are intended for people who are confined to their homes or places of infirmary, are infirm or have limited mobility, and who would like to vote in advance because they might not be able to visit their polling place on May 29, 2024, the general election day.
IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Sheburi announced during a press conference on Sunday that over 1.6 million South Africans have been authorized to cast ballots in the special elections.
Staff from the IEC is anticipated to visit about 624 593 voters, with the remaining voters expected to visit their polling places.
“The quantity of special votes we received is encouraging as it shows how excited the people of South Africa are about these elections,” he stated.
In the event that observers and contestant representatives are accessible, special votes will be cast in their presence. People can only enter homes, nevertheless, at the homeowner’s discretion.
“We warn voters that in order to verify their participation in these elections, they should keep their identity credentials close at hand. A voter receives two envelopes after casting their ballot. They place their marked ballots inside an unmarked envelope, which is then placed inside a larger envelope with the voter’s information.
“By distancing the vote from the voter, the envelopes help to ensure that we can confirm that only those who have been granted special permission to vote have cast ballots,” he stated.
Voting booths will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those who choose to visit them, and only individuals who have been granted special permission are permitted to cast ballots.
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The ballots that are still in their double envelopes after the two days of special voting will be moved for safekeeping until May 29, 2024, when they will be checked and reintroduced for counting.
Individuals with Disabilities
People with disabilities can “vote in conditions of relative dignity and without disclosing their choice to anyone,” according to Sheburi, who stated that the commission has made provisions for this.
“We have designed a voting assistance, the Universal Ballot Template, in collaboration with the South African National Council for the Blind [SANCB], so that people who can read braille can cast their ballots without having to reveal their party or candidate preference.
“Those who struggle with dexterity can also leave their mark using the Universal Ballot Template, which eliminates the need to reveal their preference or ask friends for help.”
“We urge South Africans to use their democratic right to vote by turning out in large numbers. Sheburi stated, “We further reiterate our call to voters, members of the media, and leaders of political parties to set a good example and foster an electoral environment based on trust, integrity, and respect for all.”
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