Five candidates are in the running to represent Stellenbosch’s Ward 16 in the upcoming municipal by-elections.

The vacancy came after the resignation of Elsabe Vermeulen, who left the Democratic Alliance (DA) for the Patriotic Alliance early this year.

Vermeulen is back on the ticket for Cloetesville again, this time under the banner of her new party.

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On Wednesday 29 April voters of the ward, which comprises the entire Cloetesville area, will have the chance to make their crosses at the Eikestad Hall in Long Street or at Cloetesville Primary in Curry Street between 07:00 and 21:00.

Voters who are already in the queue at 21:00 will still be allowed to vote.

Along with Vermeulen the other candidates are Cornelius Henry Du Toit for the African National Congress (ANC), Niklaas Willemse, who represents the Democratic Alliance (DA), Hajiera Arnolds on behalf of GOOD, and Tanya Annalise Daniels of the Truth and Solidarity Movement.

All 4 748 registered voters in the ward may cast their votes on election day.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in the Western Cape reminds voters that only those whose names appear on the voters’ roll for the ward are eligible to vote. Special votes will be cast on Tuesday 28 April.

Voters who applied and have been approved for special voting by the IEC will cast their votes at the aforementioned voting stations.

Those voters who were approved for home visits as a result of health-related confinement, will be visited by IEC officials on the same day. Special voting takes place from 08:00 to 17:00.

The IEC reminded registered voters to take along their green barcoded identity documents, smart ID cards or temporary identity certificate (TIC) on voting day.

Locals who have any voting related queries is asked to contact the Stellenbosch IEC office on 083 331 6790 during office hours.