Elections 2024: Results hinge on lagging metro count

Over 55.6% of the voting results have been captured and are currently in the system.

With 35.7% of votes declared, the ANC is in the lead with 42.2%, followed by the DA with 24.4% and the MK with 9.5%.

Granville Abrahams, the GM of the IEC, told the media in a 20:00 briefing that the metropolitan areas, which represent eight municipalities, account for 55% of all registered voters and the results from these areas are still outstanding. “This is where we have the current lag.”

Historically, about 80% of the votes at this stage of the voting process have been declared, but with voting stations closing later than usual yesterday, it was expected that results would be delayed. Abrahams said it is a possibility that results could only be finalised on Sunday, but reminded the media that the IEC has seven days to announce the results.

The IEC announced that a ballot box from Ward 14 in uMhlathuze in KZN is lost. “It is inexcusable. The results were, however, counted and included in the result slip.”

Abrahams said the box was lost while being transported in the back of an open vehicle. Ballot boxes need to be kept for a period of six months.

Abrahams told the media that voter turnout at the time of the briefing stood at 58%, but explained that this statistic could be influenced by the metro votes.

Earlier tonight, the DA booth was visibly excited when their voting results showed that the party had exceeded a million votes. The DA’s Solly Malatse told Caxton Local Media that the party is excited about the positive growth. “Three things come into play: Positive growth of the DA, one of three parties to experience growth in the elections and we are going to grow among black voters, which is a positive sign of the growth and the inroads of the DA.”