#IMadeMyMark Special voters grateful to IEC
Voters showed up in their numbers to make their mark on the day while the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) made house visits for those unable to make their way to the voting stations.
Special voting took place over May 6 and 7.
ALSO READ:
Elections 2019: What does the IEC do?
The City Times visited the following voting stations on May 6 where deputy and presiding officers offered the following information:
• St Joseph’s Church in Actonville – Deputy presiding officer Miliswa Ranuga said their busiest time for voting was between 9.30am and 10am. With just over 20 people making their mark at around 1.30pm, Ranuga said more voters were expected on May 7.
• Actonville Community Centre – Presiding officer Bophelo Kodisang said a mix of special voters arrived at the voting station. He added IEC crew members were doing many home visits. The busiest times on the day, according to Kodisang, was between 9am and 11am.
• IEC members at Willowmoore High School centre told the City Times they were expecting more special voters yesterday as the turnout on May 6 amounted to 14 people with more voters still on the voters’ roll.
• Patience Nxele, deputy presiding officer at Rynpark Five in Rynfield, said a total of 62 home visits were made on May 6 while eight voters arrived for voting at the station by 2pm.
• The Crystal Park Primary School voting station was quiet with a peaceful atmosphere, this according to presiding officer Lebohang Dywili.
“We had about six home visits and 15 voters at the voting station,” confirmed Dywili. “We are expecting more people tomorrow (May 7) as we have more than 50 voters on the voters’ roll.”
This year, the IEC announced people of the Islamic faith were allowed to cast their votes during special voting as the holy month of Ramadan (fasting period) commenced around election time.
Ward 29 voter Abdul Shaik wished to express his gratitude to the IEC for allowing the Muslim voters to cast their ballot before May 8.
“This is a mark of respect and consideration from the IEC,” said Shaik.
“It is difficult to stand in longer lines during Ramadan and this eliminates that process.
“The process to vote was excellent and the staff were very friendly and helpful.”
Khalil Ally, also from Actonville, said the voting process was easy and there were no long lines.
“I’m hoping for new leadership,” explained Ally when asked what his expectation for this year’s election was.
“I am putting my trust in new leadership to lead with integrity, honesty and to move South Africa to a better place.”
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail
