The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in the Alfred Nzo District has opened 834 voting stations as part of the two-day voter registration weekend that commenced on Saturday.
Speaking in an interview, IEC Alfred Nzo District Manager Arnold Mbaligontsi said the registration process got off to a positive start despite challenges at two voting stations where community protests disrupted operations.
According to Mbaligontsi, residents in Ward 10 in Matatiele and Ward 9 in Ntabankulu blocked access to voting stations, demanding improvements in service delivery before registration activities could proceed.
“The matter has been reported to the respective mayors, who have been requested to intervene. The South African Police Service is also on the ground monitoring the situation,” said Mbaligontsi.
He encouraged young people to take advantage of the registration weekend and ensure that they are registered to vote.
“Most of the time young people take a back seat when it comes to voting. That is why we continue to encourage them to participate actively and take the lead in democratic processes,” he said.
Mbaligontsi revealed that the IEC is targeting the registration of 6,000 new voters across the district during the registration drive.
He also highlighted poor road infrastructure as one of the major logistical challenges facing the commission, particularly in remote rural areas.
“Road infrastructure remains a challenge when delivering election materials to some voting stations. Fortunately, it is currently winter and there has been no rain. Wet weather conditions would have made the situation much more difficult,” he said.
All 834 voting stations across the district are scheduled to operate from 07:00, providing eligible citizens with an opportunity to register and update their voting details ahead of upcoming electoral processes.
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