Tips and information on election day and what you can expect.

As the country readies itself to vote tomorrow, here is a brief overview of what you can expect, and what your vote means.

The Electoral Commission says, “Voting allows you to be part of decision-making that affects your life and the future of our country. If you don’t vote, others will make the decisions for you. History shows that democracies in danger of losing their freedom register frighteningly low voter turnouts. In thriving democracies, people vote in large numbers and the people’s voice remains supreme.”

These elections will have three ballot papers where each voter must indicate their choice. The results of this will determine the government the country elects that will lead the nation for the next five years.

Read more: Faith in IEC and political system is down – research shows

What is Parliament?

• Members are elected to represent the country.
• Every five years, a new parliament is elected.
• It is responsible for making and passing laws.
• There are two houses: National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.
• 400 members voted in via the national and regional ballots (200 each)

What is the National Assembly?

• It is a house of Parliament within which the President is chosen, laws are passed, conducts oversight on the Executive (president, deputy president and ministers) to ensure it is working correctly and is a site of debate amongst party representatives.
• 400 seats.

The overall allocation for parties out of the 400 seats is determined using a quota system based on votes across the regions and the national ballot. Seats for the parties are then calculated.

What is the National Council of Provinces?

• Makes sure regional issues are included in national debates and decisions
• Participates in law-making processes
• Includes provincial issues debated on the national platform

BALLOTS

• One mark, preferably an X should be made on each ballot paper – ONE MARK, ONE VOTE!
• Voters must only make one mark on each ballot as more than one will be considered a spoilt vote and will not be counted.
• Incorrect ballots: If you incorrectly mark a ballot paper and realise this before placing the paper in the ballot box, ask for a new ballot paper. Please make sure that the incorrect ballot paper is marked as ‘cancelled’. Once your ballot has been placed in the ballot box, it can’t be removed.

National (blue)

• Political parties only
• 200 seats in the National Assembly are decided in this vote
• The same ballot paper is used across the country.

Regional (orange)

• Political parties and independent candidates
• This vote is for candidates from your voting region contesting for 200 seats filled from each province in the National Assembly.

Provincial (pink)

• Political parties and independent candidates
• Ballot is unique to your province
• Candidates are competing for seats in the provincial legislature
• The Gauteng Provincial Legislature makes laws for the specific needs of the province, conducts oversight for service delivery and more.

Also read: The IEC introduces an easy and safe way to register to vote

Facts and figures

• 27 672 267 registered voters
• 55.25% female and 44.75 male
• Gauteng has 6 531 473 registered voters.

• National Assembly configuration from the 2019 elections
  ANC 57.50%
  DA 20.77%
  EFF 10.80% of the vote

• Gauteng Provincial Legislature
  ANC 50.19%
  DA 27.45%
  EFF 14.69

Safety tips to keep in mind on election day

Carnel Hattingh from the Fidelity Services Group says, “When you go to your local voting station, please remember these basic safety measures. Large numbers of people will be out and about and this means that being aware of your surroundings is as important as ever.,”

• Before leaving, make sure your house is properly locked and secured. Don’t leave any gap or chance for an opportunistic criminal to gain access.
• Leave valuables at home. You don’t need to take flashy jewellery or other expensive items.
• There is safety in numbers. If you have a neighbour who is also voting, consider asking if they want to walk or drive with you. You might have an elderly neighbour who would appreciate you offering to accompany them to vote.

“The police will have a heightened presence across the country on the day, especially at voting stations. It is a good idea to still be alert to any suspicious activity and to ask for help if you see something suspicious,” says Hattingh.

“Opportunistic criminals are always on the lookout for ‘soft targets’ in places where large numbers of people gather. You can be a lot safer by simply paying attention to what happens around you on election day.”

TEXT FOR GRAPHIC ON VOTING
What will happen when you enter the voting hall?
1 An official will check your ID with a machine to make sure you are registered.
2 You will go to the voters roll table where your name will be marked to show you have voted.
3 An official will make a mark on your left thumbnail to show you have voted.
4 You will be given three ballot papers.
5 Go to a private booth and make your mark on each ballot. Fold the ballot when you are finished to make sure your vote is secret.
6 Place each ballot paper in its correct box.

Important information

• Do not forget to take your South African ID card with you.
• Physically disabled voters: you can choose someone to help you at the voting station or ask for help when you arrive.
• Concerns and when to speak out: a voter is given too many ballot papers; is being refused a ballot paper; or the conduct of a voting officer, party agent or any other person is questionable. Speak to an election official who will investigate your concerns and take the matter forward of warranted.

Results
Counting of ballots normally takes place at the voting station where the votes are cast. Party agents, independent candidate agents and observers oversee the entire counting and results process and are present at all times.

The final results and seat allocation for the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures elections are announced by the Electoral Commission within seven days of the election.

Related article: No one was successful in voting more than once – IEC