IEC: All systems go for 2014 elections

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said it was confident that all systems were in place for the national and provincial elections on 7 May.

According to the IEC chairperson, Pansy Tlakula all 22 263 voting stations across the country will open on schedule at 7am in anticipation of the arrival of 25.39 million voters who have registered to vote. Voting will continue until 9pm.

Tlakula said a total of 20 736 voting stations were permanent venues, while 1 495 voting stations were located at temporary venues where tents would be erected.

She added that 14 458 voting stations were located in schools, 1591 were located in places of worship, 255 at tribal authority sites, while a further 77 were located in clinics and hospitals.

All materials have been distributed to local warehouses and were ready for delivery to voting stations early on 7 May, she said.

These included more than 62 million ballot papers – 31 411 100 national and 31 491 100 provincial.

Meanwhile, the first of nearly 400 000 special votes were cast on 5 May and would be completed on 6 May.

Special votes were cast either at voting stations or during visits by election officials in the case of voters who are disabled, pregnant or ill.

Tlakula said the special votes had gone well, adding that it also provided a good “dry run” and systems check for election day.

Registered voters should vote at the voting station where they are registered and must have their green bar-coded ID book, a temporary ID certificate or a new smart ID card in order to vote.