The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) hosted a media-engagement workshop in Newlands on Thursday to outline plans aimed at reducing voting queues and strengthening election readiness across the Western Cape ahead of the Local Government Elections later this year.
The session brought election officials and journalists together to strengthen collaboration and improve public communication around electoral processes.
Belinda Mbeleni, provincial manager in charge of operations, said the commission had completed a review of voting districts, focusing on stations with historically high voter volumes.
“We looked at voting stations with high numbers because that has an impact on queues,” she said. “One of our key priorities is to minimise waiting times.” Mbeleni said a queue-management system would be introduced to improve voter flow on election day.
Voter education will also be prioritised.
“For this election, voters will be allowed to vote only at a voting station where they live and where they are registered.
We are working to ensure voters know exactly where to go.”
A national voter-registration weekend is planned for June.
All 1 572 voting stations in the province, including additional stations created for the election, will be open.
The IEC is recruiting staff to manage voting stations and transport election materials between local offices and voting sites.
The election date has not yet been announced.
“That responsibility lies with the Minister for Local Government,” Mbeleni said.
Western Cape electoral head Michael Hendricks said the media remained a vital democratic partner.
“The media plays an important role in informing voters about electoral processes and the importance of participation,” he said.
