Long queues at the polls as South Africans vote for their councils

South Africans are voting today for the councillors who will run their wards and municipalities, and government has welcomed the turnout, saying the long queues seen on media platforms reflect democracy in action.

“Visuals of long queues on media platforms reflect democracy in action, as South Africans from all walks of life come together to make their voices heard,” Deputy Government spokesperson William Baloyi said on Wednesday.

The country’s 23 696 voting stations opened at 7am and close at 9pm. Voters who are within voting station boundaries at closing time will still be assisted. The Electoral Commission (IEC) reported a record 29.2 million registered voters, according to the government account.

Government said South Africans are turning out in significant numbers to exercise their constitutional right to vote and to help shape the future of their communities and the country. It said voting is proceeding and that voters are assured any challenges experienced will be attended to by the relevant authorities.

“Government encourages voters already in queues to remain patient and follow IEC guidelines,” Baloyi said.

Today’s elections determine who represents communities in wards and municipal councils. The councillors elected will be responsible for improving communities, delivering essential services, passing bylaws and overseeing their implementation.

Government also reminded voters that taking photographs of marked ballot papers is prohibited. “This restriction is necessary to protect the secrecy of the choice of voters and to avoid voters being coerced or unduly induced into making political choices,” Baloyi said.

Those who have not yet voted are encouraged to make their way to the polls to avoid potential weather-related disruptions, with showers expected in some parts of the country later in the day. Voters in hotter areas are urged to stay hydrated, wear protective clothing and take the necessary precautions against the heat.

Home Affairs is open today for the collection of identity documents and the issuing of temporary identification certificates, government said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared election day a public holiday to enable voters to exercise their civic duty. Government called on all South Africans to continue demonstrating the unity, tolerance and mutual respect that underpin the country’s constitutional democracy.

This report is drawn from the government’s own summary of the day, published by SAnews (South African Government News Agency) at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/government-welcomes-voter-turnout-urges-citizens-vote. It is a statement of government’s position on the elections rather than the IEC’s own operational record, and the figures cited are those government attributed to the Commission.