North West Premier Mokgosi urges voters to turn out in numbers as special voting opens
Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi calls for peaceful, high-turnout local government elections and will cast his own ballot in Vryburg on Wednesday.
Special Voting ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections began on Monday at homes and voting stations across the country, and the North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, marked the day by calling on every eligible resident in the province to vote in large numbers.
Mokgosi said the ballot is one of the most powerful ways for people to shape the future of their communities. “The strength of our democracy lies in the participation of its people. Every vote matters, and every voice deserves to be heard,” he said. “I urge all eligible voters to go out in their numbers and cast their ballots peacefully and responsibly.”
He warned against complacency, saying that active participation in elections is essential for accountability, development and good governance. He singled out young people and first-time voters, asking them to use the opportunity to make their mark.
The Premier also appealed for calm and tolerance through the electoral process. “Elections should never divide us. I call on all residents, political parties, supporters, and stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully, respect differing views, and allow the democratic process to unfold without intimidation, violence and disruption,” he said.
Mokgosi will cast his own vote at Naledi Local Municipality Ward 3, Kismet Park Hall Voting District in Vryburg on Wednesday, 4 November at 10am. “Let us make our voices heard through the ballot box and not through conflict,” he said.
This report is drawn from the SAnews (South African Government News Agency) account of the Premier’s remarks, published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/n-west-premier-calls-peaceful-high-turnout-elections. The agency’s item is a summary of the Premier’s statement rather than a transcript of the full address.
