Peace or protests? What IEC expects on Election Day #IMadeMyMark
"We are expecting a peaceful election process but, at the same time, we are prepared to deal with anything."
Despite violent service delivery protests which SAPS dispersed using rubber bullets and smoke grenades, earlier this year, municipal electoral officer, PJ Ndlovu, does not anticipate any interference during the national elections on May 8.
Training of the IEC staff has been completed and SAPS officers have also received training on how to deal with any crisis or crime that may transpire.
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“I do not believe that the national elections will be affected by any service delivery protests as these have absolutely nothing to do with the IEC. We are expecting a peaceful election process but, at the same time, we are prepared to deal with anything,” said municipal electoral officer, PJ Ndlovu.
“The only complaints reported to the local IEC structure thus far, have to do with the changing of the boundaries of certain wards. However, this is not in the IEC’s hands. This is a matter that must be handled by the Demarcation Board,” explained PJ.
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The only ward where some signs of interference with the election process seems likely is in ward 2, where ongoing service delivery protests have led to the Louwsberg Road being closed to motorists on a number of occasions.
Reliable municipal sources indicated that a group of disgruntled residents in ward 2 have decided to boycott the elections and fear thta they may attempt to disrupt the voting stations.
Residents who have any queries regarding the election process can contact PJ on 076 627 3024.
Do you have a story to share regarding the upcoming elections? Please get in touch. Whatsapp 079 256 7570 or email estella@caxton.co.za
