CAPE TOWN – The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in the Western Cape has apologised to voters after delays in the delivery of special voting ballots disrupted the opening of 217 voting stations in the Cape Metro on Monday, 2 November.

Ballot delivery delays disrupt voting

The delays, which affected the start of special voting at 08:00, were attributed to unforeseen challenges in the delivery of ballots by the printing company contracted to produce them.

Provincial Electoral Officer Michael Hendrickse said the IEC was working to ensure that all affected voting stations could open as soon as their ballots arrived.

“Despite the best efforts of the IEC and the printing company contracted to carry out the production of the ballots, there has been an unforeseen delay in the delivery of special vote ballots in some areas,” Hendrickse said.

IEC assures voters of opportunity to cast ballots

He stressed that special voting had been scheduled for 2 and 3 November and assured eligible voters that the commission remained committed to fulfilling its responsibility to provide them with an opportunity to cast their votes.

“It is our intention to honour our mandate and make sure every voter exercise their democratic right to cast their vote,” he said.

The IEC confirmed that the situation remained fluid, with affected voting stations opening as ballot papers were delivered.

Hendrickse also assured the public that security measures were in place for the transportation and delivery of the special voting ballots.

Outer regions operating normally

The disruption is limited to the Cape Metro, with the IEC reporting that voting stations in the province’s outer regions were operating smoothly.

“I want to apologise for the inconvenience to our voters,” Hendrickse said.

The commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all voters who successfully applied for special votes are given the opportunity to exercise their democratic right over the two designated voting days.

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