ANC NEC member Tina Joemat-Pettersson was shooed out of a voting station during the ward 1 by-election special voting in Roodepan and Platfontein on Tuesday, as politicians are prohibited from campaigning inside the premises while voting is taking place.
ANC NATIONAL executive committee (NEC) member Tina Joemat-Pettersson was shooed out of a voting station during the ward 1 by-election special voting in Roodepan and Platfontein on Tuesday, as politicians are prohibited from campaigning inside the premises while voting is taking place.
Electoral Commission (IEC) provincial manager Elkin Topkin said political figures were only allowed inside voting stations to cast their votes.
“We do not give special treatment to anyone and staff prevented members of Parliament from entering the voting station,” said Topkin.
He added that close to 30 percent of ward 1 voters registered for special votes and home visits on Tuesday.
“The voting stations in Platfontein and Roodepan were a hive of activity in the morning. There was a 56 percent voter turnout during the 2021 national government elections and we will not be surprised if the figure is much higher during the by-election.”
Topkin indicated that opposition parties had raised concerns during consultative meetings regarding names that appeared on the voters roll of voters who appeared not to reside in the area.
“A voter is registered if they present their identity number and residential address. There was an increase in new voter registrations in the ward. We advised political parties that if voters do not physically reside in the ward it is a criminal offence and the matter should be reported to the police.”
The PA lodged a complaint after a police officer who was dressed in uniform accompanied voters to the voting station.
Topkin stated that the station commander was requested to instruct the police officer to return to the police station.
“A police officer may only provide security at the gate and should not interact with voters unless they are greeting them.”
He added that counting was expected to be completed at 11pm on Wednesday.
