Elections 2024: Low voter turnout must be fixed
Glitches and slow queues need to be seen in light of IEC’s budget cuts
Vote
SA’s democracy is “strong, robust” – President Ramaphosa
SA’s democracy is "strong, robust" - President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the 16 million citizens, who cast their vote in the National and Provincial Elections, are proof that South Africa’s democracy is “strong and robust”.
The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday.
South Africans headed to the polls last week to elect new government leadership for the seventh administration in the country’s most competitive elections since the dawn of democracy in 1994.
“This election has been declared free and fair. It took place peacefully and without serious incidents of intimidation or violence. This is a credit to the Electoral Commission, to the political parties and their leadership, and above all, to the South African people.
“By discharging this important civic duty, South Africans have done more than exercise their right to vote. They have shown that they continue to hold our democratic order and our Constitution in high regard. This successful poll shows that our democracy is strong, that it is robust and that it endures,” President Ramaphosa said.
READ | Government welcomes conclusion of elections
Constitutional order
In this year’s vote, no party won an outright majority in the National Assembly.
This, President Ramaphosa said, presents a “new phase in our democratic journey” in which “political parties will have to strive in earnest to find common ground as we work to rebuild our country”.
“Although every political party carries a mandate based on the commitments they made to the electorate, all parties share an overarching mandate to build a country that is inclusive, united and prosperous.
“This moment in our country calls for responsible leadership and constructive engagement. There can be no place for threats of violence or instability,” he said.
The President called on South Africans to fight for and protect the country’s constitutional order – South Africa’s supreme law.
“This constitutional order is anchored in the rule of law, supported by institutions for advancing democracy, such as the Independent Electoral Commission, and upheld by an independent judiciary.
“South Africans must stand firm against any attempts to undermine the constitutional order we have worked so hard to build, and for which so many struggled and sacrificed.
“Whatever challenges we may face as political events unfold, they should be dealt with in a spirit of cooperation and in accordance with the prescripts of our Constitution and the rule of law,” he said.
READ | 2024 election results a victory for democracy
The President added that all South Africans should take pride in “our own contribution towards giving meaning to the values and principles of our constitutional democracy”.
“As we work as political parties to find each other across the divide in the coming weeks and months, let us demonstrate both in our actions and our utterances that we hold the Constitution and the rule of law to be paramount. Let us remember that whatever authority, whatever power, we are entrusted with must be exercised to advance the interests of the South African people.
“Now more than ever, we need to put our differences aside and work together for the common good,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 06/03/2024 - 09:59
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SAHRC gives 2024 elections the thumbs up
SAHRC gives 2024 elections the thumbs up
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has endorsed the 2024 National and Provincial Elections as having been free and fair.
“The South African Human Rights Commission endorses the 2024 National General Elections as free and fair,” the commission said on Sunday.
The commission’s comments come as the Electoral Commission (IEC) is set to announce the results of the elections this evening at 6pm. South Africans went to the polls in the seventh national elections on Wednesday, 29 May.
The SAHRC observed the elections from 27- 29 May 2024.
During this period, the commission observed 161 voting stations and gathered 98 reflections from human rights officials and champions, resulting in a significant national footprint across 259 voting stations.
Reflections
“Our preliminary observations revealed that operationally, 83% of voting stations observed opened on time, and 98% of ballot boxes were assembled in the presence of party agents and observers, although some party agents arrived late.”
In its preliminary reflections, the commission said that 95% of stations had all essential materials, including ballot papers and pens.
It said that most voters took more than 30 minutes to complete their voting process; 16% took two hours or longer, 46% took 30-90 minutes, and 38% took less than 10 minutes.
“We observed that 70% of voting stations experienced connectivity issues. In terms of accessibility, 83% of people with disabilities were able to vote independently, though only 40 stations scored a 10/10 for accessibility.
“Furthermore, 87% of polling stations had measures in place for the elderly, pregnant persons, and other special categories. Security incidents were minimal; no significant issues were observed and minor issues such as inebriated voters, raised tempers, or party agent interference were promptly addressed by SAPS [South African Police Service].”
The SAHRC added that it was aware that the elections “do not occur without minor glitches”.
“Some voting centres experienced slow-moving queues extending into the early hours of the following day, and some voters were turned away, unable to exercise their democratic right due to administrative challenges of registration.
“In some areas voters could not cast their vote due to strike. The Electoral Commission also reported a missing ballot box in Umhlathuze Ward 14, KwaZulu-Natal, which fortunately had already been counted.”
“Our preliminary concerns include the adverse impact of the three-ballot process on turnaround time, the lack of understanding and proper implementation of the Section 24A process, and the lack of uniformity in certain processes, with some stations using one ballot box for mixed votes and others using three separate boxes.”
It further added that accessibility for people with disabilities remains a challenge, privacy in voting booths was a concern, and connectivity issues required officials to alternate between online and manual systems.
“Overall, the Commission observed that the elections proceeded smoothly, without major concerns. The minor challenges monitored do not impact the overall declaration of the elections as free and fair. The SAHRC is further committed to producing a comprehensive final report that reflects the full extent of its observations during the 2024 general elections.”
READ | SA elections were held under “peaceful” conditions – African Union Mission
READ | SADC electoral mission gives Elections 2024 seal of approval
The commission expressed gratitude to South Africans who participated in large numbers to exercise their democratic right to vote.
“We remain committed to ensuring that the civil and political rights of all participants are upheld throughout the electoral process,” it said. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 16:17
648 views
Sun sets on 2024 elections
Sun sets on 2024 elections
The sun has set on the most arguably contested election in the history of South Africa, with voting, vote counting and the capturing of results completed.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) declared the official results during a ceremony at the national Results Operations Centre on Sunday, attended by, among others, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
This paves the way for the seventh administration, which will lead South Africa for the next five years.
South Africans on 29 May voted using three ballots for the first time because of the inclusion of independent candidates on the ballot. These were the National Ballot, National Regional Ballot and the Provincial Legislature Ballot.
No less than 16 million South Africans made their mark, translating into a voter turnout of 58.61%.
The parties which received the most votes and thus garnered seats in the 400-member National Assembly are as follows:
- African National Congress (ANC) – 159 seats.
- Democratic Alliance (DA) – 87 seats.
- uMkhonto weSizwe party (MK party) – 58 seats.
- Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – 39 seats.
- Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) – 17 seats.
- Patriotic Alliance (PA) – 9 seats.
- Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) – 6 seats.
- ActionSA – 6 seats.
- African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) – 3 seats.
- United Democratic Movement (UDM) – 3 seats.
- African Transformation Movement (ATM) – 2 seats.
- Al Jama-ah – 2 seats.
- Build One South Africa (BOSA) – 2 seats.
- National Coloured Congress (NCC) – 2 seats.
- Rise Mzansi – 2 seats
- GOOD Party – 1 seat
- Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) – 1 seat
- United Africans Transformation (UTM) – 1 seat
Winners of the National Assembly votes by each region are as follows (percentages as at 7pm on Sunday):
- Eastern Cape – ANC with 62.42% of the vote, 16 seats.
- Free State – ANC with 52.56% of the vote, 6 seats.
- Gauteng – ANC with 34.62% of the vote, 17 seats.
- KwaZulu-Natal – MK Party with 44.91% of the vote, 19 seats
- Mpumalanga – ANC with 51.31% of the vote, 8 seats.
- Northern Cape – ANC with 49.47% of the vote, 3 seats.
- Limpopo – ANC with 73.38% of the vote, 16 seats.
- North West – ANC 58.29% of the vote, 8 seats.
- Western Cape – DA with 53.37% of the vote, 14 seats
The winners of the provincial legislatures are as follows:
- Eastern Cape – ANC to lead the legislature with 45 seats won.
- Free State – ANC to lead the legislature with 16 seats won.
- Gauteng – ANC to lead the legislature with 28 seats won.
- KwaZulu-Natal – MK Party to lead the legislature with 37 seats won.
- Mpumalanga – ANC to lead the legislature with 27 won.
- Northern Cape – ANC to lead the legislature with 15 seats won
- Limpopo – ANC to lead the legislature with 48 seats won.
- North West – ANC to lead the legislature with 23 seats won.
- Western Cape – DA to lead the legislature with 24 seats won.
“After carefully considering the extensive measures put in place and acknowledging the provisions of section 57(3) of the Electoral Act 1998, the commission declares the results of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, free and fair,” IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya said during the results announcement programme.
The list of elected public representatives was handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa at the ceremony.
On Thursday, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo is expected to officially receive the lists of designated Members of Parliament from the IEC in preparation for the first sitting of the National Assembly, which he will preside over. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 19:30
6668 views
2024 election results a victory for democracy
2024 election results a victory for democracy
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the final announcement of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections represents a victory for democracy, constitutional order and for all the people of South Africa.
Addressing the ceremony held to announce the results of the 2024 National and Provincial Election on Sunday, the President commended South Africans for participating in the elections, noting that by going to vote, they have taken responsibility not only for the future of themselves and their families, but for the future of their country.
He said South Africans have shown how important their vote is and that they know that their vote counts.
The President said through their votes citizens have demonstrated clearly and plainly that the country’s democracy is strong, robust, and enduring.
“They have given effect to the clarion call that has resonated across the generations, that the people shall govern…. our people have spoken. As the leaders of political parties, as all those who occupy positions of responsibility in society, we have heard the voices of our people and we must respect their wishes,” President Ramaphosa said at the Electoral Commission’s (IEC) Result Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand.
WATCH | 2024 National and Provincial Elections results announcement
He added that the elections - which took place on Wednesday, 29 May and were preceded by in-country special votes on Monday and Tuesday - have reaffirmed the fact that building a South Africa for all remains the defining mission of the nation.
The President noted that over the course of the election campaign, parties and candidates have at times differed, often forcefully, and expressed a wide variety of views that are often at odds with each other.
He said throughout the election campaign, parties and candidates have held fast to the fundamental principles of democracy and have affirmed the right of voters to participate in an election that is free, fair, and peaceful.
The will of the people
The President called upon political parties to recognise the results of the election, saying they reflect the will of the people.
“What this election has made plain is that the people of South Africa expect their leaders to work together to meet their needs. They expect the parties for which they have voted to find common ground, to overcome their differences, to act and work together for the good of everyone.
“Our people expect all parties to work together within the framework of our constitution and address whatever challenges we encounter peacefully and in accordance with the prescripts of our constitution and the rule of law. Each party emerges from this election with a mandate based on the commitments they each made to the electorate,” President Ramaphosa said.
Partnerships
However, President Ramaphosa emphasised that all the parties must work in partnership with each other and with society more broadly, to build a country that is inclusive, united, and prosperous.
“As we take up our seats in Parliament and in the provincial legislatures, let us appreciate that the seats we occupy do not belong to us, [but] they belong to the people. Whatever authority, whatever power, we are entrusted with must be exercised to advance the interests of the people,” President Ramaphosa said.
Praise for IEC, law enforcement parties and independents
The President commended the IEC for its excellence, professionalism and integrity, despite many challenges.
“As the 2024 election reaches its conclusion, we thank the staff and leadership of the Independent Electoral Commission, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of these elections, often under difficult conditions.
“We pay tribute to the men and women of the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force for ensuring peace and stability during voting, and to the Home Affairs staff who ensured that as many voters as possible had their identity documents on Election Day,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President expressed his gratitude to independent candidates and leaders and members of the various political parties that participated in the elections.
“I wish to thank all the local and international observer teams, who gave their time and effort to ensure a free and fair election. I also thank the journalists, researchers, camera persons, producers, analysts, and other members of the media, who played such an essential role in ensuring that the South African people were well informed as they went to vote.
“Above all, we thank the people of South Africa for once again giving life and meaning to the values and principles of our constitutional democracy,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 19:38
10755 views
SA awaits election results
SA awaits election results
All eyes are on the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) as South Africans eagerly await the outcome of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
The official results are expected to be announced at the commission’s Results Operations Centre in Midrand on Sunday evening.
Millions of eligible voters across the country made their mark at more than 23 000 polling stations in South Africa's seventh democratic elections on Wednesday.
This followed two successful days of special votes, which saw South Africans who had registered for a special vote making their mark at 22 626 voting stations and during home visits across the country.
Voting abroad took place between 17 and 18 May 2024 in 111 South African missions across the world.
Observers, from both South Africa and other countries, have closely monitored the electoral process.
At a media briefing, the commission said the release of the official results on the fourth day after Election Day was to factor in the third ballot and to deal with the 50% additional work imposed by the third ballot. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sat, 06/01/2024 - 15:19
206 views
IEC receives 579 objections
IEC receives 579 objections
Electoral Commission (IEC) Chairperson Mosotho Moepya says the commission has received 579 objections.
At a media briefing at the national Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand late on Saturday evening, the Chairperson said he had promised to keep the media and citizens updated on the processing of results in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
He said South Africans were anxious for the commission to complete its work and announce the final outcomes.
Moepya said there were 579 objections which the commission was dealing with and that this might increase.
He explained that the leaderboard at the ROC will “go back and forth” as the commission considers these objections.
“As we consider objections before us, there will be those that require or will implicate the reopening of edit windows for results to be corrected. An edit window is a facility that allows the commission to effect corrections where there are discrepancies.”
There are 10 window edits that have been authorised, which are opportunities to be able to align slips with captured results. Moepya said these had been dealt with.
The general themes of objections considered thus far include:
- Where results processes were not completed when objections were filed with the IEC.
- Where third parties report being informed by individuals that they voted for a specific party but this is not reflecting.
- Allegations under oath that the complainants’ vote did not reflect at a particular station but the IEC found that there was basis to investigate.
- People asking about seat allocations and what are the considerations.
- People raising matters of the conduct of a party, party agents, party supporters during the special votes and on Voting Day itself.
“We will work through everything before us carefully and thoroughly,” said Moepya.
The Chairperson reassured citizens that it will act without fear and without favour.
“We have a long night ahead of us as we seek to bring finality to these matters.”
He was confident that the IEC would be ready to announce the results on Sunday.
The Constitution provides that the IEC declare the outcome of an election as soon as possible after elections. “We have to abide by that provision, among others,” said Moepya. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Sat, 06/01/2024 - 22:46
192 views
Vote counting, validation nears completion
Vote counting, validation nears completion
South Africa is inching closer to capturing and validating 100% of the votes cast in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
At 12:51pm on Saturday, vote counting, and validation stood at 98,91 % with 23 028 of 23 292 voting districts completed nationally.
this as South Africans went to the polls on Wednesday, 29 May.
According to the Election Commission’s (IEC) Results Dashboard, the ANC is in the lead with 40.29 of the vote followed by the DA at 21.64% and MK Party at 14.70%
In Limpopo, 3 199 of 3 216 voting districts completed. This means that 99.47% of vote counting has been completed. The ANC is in the lead in that province at 74.27% followed by the EFF at 12.92% and the DA at 6.09%.
The North West is at 98.56% with 1 713 of 1 738 voting districts (VDs) completed. In this province the ANC at 58.95% followed by the EFF at 16.51% and DA at 13.02%.
Mpumalanga is at 98.4% with 1 782 of 1 811 VDs completed. The ANC is leading with 51.75% of the vote followed by the MK Party at 17.40% and EFF at 12.70%.
KwaZulu-Natal is at 99.58% complete with 4 953 of 4 974 voting districts completed.
The MK Party is in the lead with 45.93% of the vote followed by the ANC at 17.61% and IFP at 16.26%.
Vote counting and validation in the Free State is complete at 100% with all of the 1 586 of 1 586 VDs completed.
The ANC is in the lead in the province at 52.88% followed by the DA at 21.31% and EFF at 13.09%.
The Eastern Cape is at 98.5% with 4 794 of 4 867 voting districts completed. The ANC has 63.22% of the vote followed by the DA at 13.92% and EFF at 10.08%.
The Western Cape is at 97.68% with 1 534 of 1 572 VDs completed. The DA is leading at 53.23% followed by the ANC at 21.19 and PA at 7.43%.
Counting in the Northern Cape is complete with 730 of 730 VDs completed. The ANC is in the lead with 49.30% of the votes followed by the DA at 21.22% and EFF at 12.89%.
Gauteng is at 94.46% with 2 642 of 2 797 voting districts completed. The ANC is in the lead with 36.31% of the vote followed by the DA at 26.97% and EFF at 12.46%. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sat, 06/01/2024 - 12:57
4049 views
Voter turnout at 58.57% in 2024 national elections
Voter turnout at 58.57% in 2024 national elections
With more than 98% of votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections having being captured and validated, voter turnout for these elections is at over 50%.
The Electoral Commission’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections Results Dashboard placed voter turnout at 58.57 % as at 10:52 am on Saturday.
This as 98.42% of votes or 22 923 of 23 292 voting districts, having been completed.
South Africans voted in the seventh democratic elections on Wednesday, 29 May.
According to the dashboard, Gauteng currently stands with the highest voter turnout at 63.72%. The province had a registered population of 6,541,978 in these elections.
This as registered voters in completed voting districts (VDs) stood at 584,569 and the total votes cast in completed VDs stood at 372,465.
Gauteng was followed by the Northern Cape at 62.49 % and KwaZulu-Natal at 61.81 % to date.
The Western Cape is fourth at 58.09 %.
The other provinces stood as follows as at 10:26 am:
- Free State 57.45 %
- Mpumalanga 58.03 %
- Eastern Cape 54.47 %
- Limpopo 53.68 %
- North West 51.82 %
Vote capturing and validation continues.
Voter turnout in the 2019 national elections was at 66.05 %. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sat, 06/01/2024 - 11:20
222 views
Over 97% of votes complete
Over 97% of votes complete
More than 97% of votes, or 22 677 of 23 292 voting districts, have been completed, according to the Electoral Commission’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections Results Dashboard.
As at 8:20am on Saturday, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) results system showed that nationally, with votes being 97.39% complete, the African National Congress (ANC) had 40.11% of the votes, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 21.72%. The uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK Party) follows with 14.83%, while the Economic Freedom Fighters are fourth with 9.37%.
Other party results making up the top 10 are as follows:
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) – 3.96%;
Patriotic Alliance (PA) – 2.04%;
Freedom Front Plus – 1.36%;
Action SA – 1.16%;
African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) – 0.6%, and
United Democratic Movement (UDM) – 0.49%.
Vote capturing and validation continue. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Sat, 06/01/2024 - 08:34
14551 views
Government appeals for patience as results capturing underway
Government appeals for patience as results capturing underway
Government has appealed to the public to remain calm as the counting and verification of votes by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in the National and Provincial Elections is underway.
“Citizens are encouraged to remain calm as this process unfolds. Vote counting is a rigorous process with various checks and balances by the IEC,” Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General (ADG), Nomonde Mnukwa, said on Thursday.
She said the length of the process depends on a range of factors including the number of votes cast and number of political parties contesting the ballot.
“The IEC is being transparent in the manner in which the results are being captured and verified to ensure the integrity of the electoral processes is not compromised. The results are also audited by independent auditors and then released on the results system for political parties, observers and the media.
“Parties themselves can verify the captured results against their copy of the original results slip to ensure accuracy. Objections can be directed to the Electoral Commission in terms of Section 55 of Electoral Act and decisions of commission can be appealed at the Electoral Court,” the ADG said.
By law, the election results must be declared within seven days after an election. The official election results will be announced by the IEC and this period ends on 5 June 2024.
“Government reminds South Africans that the IEC is the only institution legally mandated to announce the election results. No other institution, analyst, political party or commentator has the legal directive to communicate the final outcome.
“We call on all stakeholders to exercise caution in prematurely proclaiming the results. The IEC declaration of results is a statutorily requirement that formally ends the election. The process will then shift to the National Assembly,” Mnukwa said.
Following the declaration of election results, members for the National Assembly are designated by the Electoral Commission, and the lists are handed by the commission to the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, who then hands them over to Parliament through the Secretary of Parliament.
“Before Members of the National Assembly perform their functions in the Assembly, they must swear or affirm faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution, in accordance with Schedule 2 to the Constitution.
“The President of the Republic is the last to be elected by the House because the Assembly must be duly constituted first in order to exercise its power to elect the President. The Chief Justice also presides over the election of the President,” the ADG said.
The election of the President, who is chosen among the Members of the Assembly, is conducted by the Chief Justice of the Republic.
“Our role as active citizens does not end with voting; we are called to work together to move our nation forward. As a young democracy we have come a long way in our 30 years of freedom and democracy, and government remains committed to working together with all citizens to build a better tomorrow for all,” she said.
Mnukwa said South Africa’s seventh democratic general elections are an affirmation of the maturity and strength of the country’s democracy.
“It signifies the vibrant commitment of the people to advancing our freedom and democracy. The citizens have honoured their civic responsibility to make their voices heard by freely voting for the party or candidate that best represents their interests and aspirations for our country,” the ADG said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 09:29
662 views
Results update: ANC leads most provincial votes
Results update: ANC leads most provincial votes
With the second day of vote counting in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections still underway, the African National Congress (ANC) is currently taking the lead and continues to secure most of the votes in most provinces, except in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
As at 11:45am on Friday, the leaderboard at the National Results Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand, showed that the ANC was leading the votes in the Eastern Cape with 739 564, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) at 138 958, and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at 109 630.
A total of 67.65% vote capturing and processing had been completed in the Eastern Cape, including 3 293 of 4 868 voting districts completed.
The ANC was also taking a lead in the Free State with 336 267 votes, followed by the DA with 135 814, and EFF at 84 928. A total of 82.79% vote capturing had been completed in that province, including 1 313 of 1 586 voting districts completed.
In Gauteng, the ANC was leading with 663 401, DA 580 761, EFF 253 632, while the new kids on the block, Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party had secured 186 219 votes.
In Limpopo, the ANC had secured 530 882, EFF 91 411, and the DA 45 028. Limpopo had captured 47.57% votes including 1 530 of the 3 216 voting districts completed.
In the North West, a total of 58.295 votes had been captured, including 1 013 of the 1 738 voting districts completed, which showed the ANC leading with 279 283, followed by EFF 80 090, and DA 56 638.
A total of 63.22% votes had been captured in Mpumalanga with 1 145 of the 1 811 voting districts completed. The ANC in Mpumalanga had 344 794 votes followed by MK with 125 646 votes, DA 97 156, and EFF 93 452.
Counting in Northern Cape is almost complete with 99.86% votes captured, including 729 of 730 voting districts completed. The ANC in Northern Cape led with 194 373 votes, while DA had 83 809, and 51 813for the EFF.
In KwaZulu-Natal, which is among the most contested provinces, the MK is taking the lead with 625 363 votes, followed by ANC with 259 867, and Inkatha Freedom party (IFP) with 248 567, and DA with 200 493 votes.
Results continue to be captured and the leaderboard updated.
The IEC is expected to give the progress report on the elections at 4pm.
At a media briefing on Thursday, the Electoral Commission (IEC) announced that vote counting in the National and Provincial Elections 2024 has now been completed, and the process to capture and validate results was underway.
“The process of results compilation entails ensuring accuracy and validation of the results.
This process involves scanning each result slip to create an image of the result, double blind capture of each result slip, and auditing of each result slip by independent auditors. The result system was audited externally and parties had occasion to also audit,” the Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said at the briefing. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 12:30
11931 views
SA elections were held under “peaceful” conditions – African Union Mission
SA elections were held under “peaceful” conditions – African Union Mission
Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, has declared that South Africa’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections were held under peaceful conditions.
The observer mission was deployed to South Africa from 21 May at the invitation of the South African Government and the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
This as South Africans went to the polls on Wednesday, 29 May.
“Overall, the mission notes that the 2024 South African National and Provincial Elections were pivotal for the country’s democratic future and had implications for political stability within South Africa and the sub-region.
“South Africans freely exercised their constitutional right to vote and voted peacefully. The participation of youth and women offers hope for the future of democracy in Africa, and indicates an increased trust in the electoral process.
"While the electoral process is still ongoing, we implore all aggrieved parties to use the existing election dispute resolution mechanisms to address their grievances, if any,” Kenyatta said in a preliminary statement.
AUEOM staff have been deployed to several parts of the country to observe aspects of the elections.
“Since arriving in South Africa, the AUEOM has engaged with key stakeholders, including the IEC, the media, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), faith-based organisations, representatives of the international community, citizens' observer groups and Heads of other Election Observer Missions, the African Diplomatic Corps and the international community, and academia.
“The Mission deployed 21 teams of 65 observers across nine provinces to observe the special voting on 28 May and polling on 29 May 2024, focusing on various aspects of the electoral process. A final report with comprehensive findings and recommendations will be issued two months after the elections,” Kenyatta stated.
He observed that the National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024) was held with “a renewed enthusiasm among South Africans to strengthen their democratic gains”.
“This election was notably competitive due to the emergence of several new political parties. Despite the peaceful and credible nature of the previous six elections, the 2024 elections were marked by a tense political environment, intensified by several litigations.
“The pre-election period saw heightened tensions and concerns over the potential misuse of social media for spreading fake news, disinformation, and misinformation, which could incite violence.
“Nevertheless, the elections proceeded without major incidents, maintaining a pattern of peaceful conduct. Despite the challenges and tensions, the 2024 elections were conducted peacefully, demonstrating the resilience of South Africa's democratic processes,” Kenyatta said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 16:17
444 views
HSRC survey finds trust in IEC by voters was high
HSRC survey finds trust in IEC by voters was high
A Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) survey has found that trust in the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) was high among voters, as millions cast their vote in the National and Provincial Elections (NPE) on Wednesday, 29 May.
This is according to the HSRC’s preliminary findings on the survey conducted on Election Day, as South Africans voted, marking 30 years since the historic first democratic elections in 1994.
The HSRC released its preliminary findings at the IEC national Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand on Friday.
In the Election Satisfaction Survey (ESS), voters were asked questions about the election process, including whether the 2024 NPE were free and fair.
The survey aimed to establish the opinions and perceptions of voters and their electoral experience.
WATCH | HSRC media briefing
The research sampled 300 voting stations selected countrywide, proportional to race, geographic type and the number of voting stations in each province.
“Trust in the Electoral Commission was high and almost all voters felt that they were safe to cast their ballot in secrecy,” the survey found.
According to the HSRC’s Dr Benjamin Roberts, trust in the country’s election management body is well in the 80% rate.
“The trust in the commission remains dominant… Amongst the general public, trust in the commission has been declining, as it has in all core political institutions over the last decade and a half, although the IEC remains among the trusted institutions in the country.
“But obviously, the voting public trust is much higher.”
Roberts believes that this is predominantly because those who had a positive experience leaving the aspect of the queuing time translates to the validation of the institution.
“The other reason is that for many South Africans, the predominant response to unhappiness with the function of the political system is the abstention and not electoral turnout. We’re finding increasing polarisation of happier voters and discontent and abstinence. That’s what’s probably driving the positive evaluations,” said Roberts.
Meanwhile, results indicated that voters overwhelmingly believed the 2024 NPE were free and fair and positively rated the conduct of officials at voting stations.
“Almost all voters felt that they were safe to cast their ballot in secrecy,” said Roberts.
The majority of voters also felt that the IEC adequately considered the needs of vulnerable groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities.
However, the finding showed that queuing times at voting stations increased relative to more recent elections, which had a bearing on electoral evaluations.
In addition, most voters were pleased with the ballot papers, with 58% indicating they were “very satisfied” and 35% told researchers they were “satisfied”.
However, 38% wanted to improve the ballot paper for future elections.
In addition, fewer people believe that their vote counts than those who believe they must vote.
Coercion and availability of information
Shifting focus to coercion, 12% reported experiencing someone trying to force them to vote for a certain political party or candidate, while nine percent said it happened before Election Day.
Four percent said they were forced by party agents and four percent by friends and family.
“Of those reporting coercion, 73% reported that it had no bearing on electoral choice, 25% said it did and two percent uncertain. This translates into three percent of all voters who changed their vote,” Roberts said.
On the level of information, roughly 13% stated that they had far too little information and 10% said they had too little information about the voting procedures.
Meanwhile, 42% said that the IEC website was “very useful” in providing information and education and 23% said “somewhat useful”.
According to the survey, 52% said that the IEC voter education campaigns were “very useful” in providing information and education and 28% said “somewhat useful”. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 16:34
241 views
IEC continues vote capturing
IEC continues vote capturing
The Electoral Commission is pulling all the stops to ensure the finalisation of the capturing and auditing of results for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, and remains on course to complete the process timeously.
Briefing media at the National Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand on Friday, the Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, reiterated that counting at all voting stations has been completed, and that the Commission has all the results at its local offices.
“The process underway is to capture results on our system for tallying and seat allocation. So far, a total of 71.76 [percentage of] results have been captured,” Mamabolo explained.
The CEO reminded South Africans that the ballots are counted at the voting stations where they are cast.
WATCH | IEC media briefing
“At all times, this is done in the presence of political party agents, independent candidate agents and observers, who monitor the entire counting and results process.
“The Commission regrets the incident this morning when the leader boards at the results operation centres and our website could not display the results. We wish to emphasise that our system did not crash and no data was compromised.
“The Commission went into the elections with a full IT plan, which includes back-up and recovery, in case it is needed. This situation has not arisen,” Mamabolo said.
READ | IEC's results dashboard restored
Mamabolo said the incident involved the activation of a "necessary control" not to display to leader boards, which is a feature of the result system.
“Result capturing and other result collation activities proceeded without interruption,” he said.
Meanwhile, progress relating to the capturing of the results, per province, is as follows (as at the time of the media briefing at 4pm):
- Eastern Cape is at 92.13%, with 4485 of 4 868 voting districts completed.
- Free State is at 95.52%, with 1 515 of 1 586 voting districts completed.
- Gauteng is at 75.33%, with 2 107 of 2 797 voting districts completed.
- KwaZulu-Natal is at 75.37%, with 3 749 of 4 974 voting districts completed.
- Mpumalanga is at 91.94%, with 1 665 of 1 811 voting districts completed.
- Northern Cape is at 100%, with 730 of 730 voting districtss completed.
- Limpopo is at 80.78%, with 2 598 of 3 216 voting districts completed.
- North West is at 88.61%, with 1 540 of 1 738 voting districts completed.
- Western Cape is at 88.99%, with 1 399 of 1 572 voting districts completed.
- SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 16:58
364 views
These villagers got taps five years ago … but have never had water
Villages around Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape battle for water
NATJOINTS welcomes arrest of Mthatha strike instigators
NATJOINTS welcomes arrest of Mthatha strike instigators
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has welcomed the arrest of two men who are believed to be behind the taxi-related strike which led to all major routes into Mthatha being blocked on Monday.
While police moved in swiftly to restore law and order on the day, they have also been working around the clock to trace those behind the incitement of violence.
On Thursday, the alleged instigators were traced to Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.
A member of a taxi association in the OR Tambo District, 52-year-old Mthuthuzeli Sogoni was wanted in relation to a voice note he allegedly circulated inciting violence and mobilising people not to vote.
This as South Africans went to the polls in the country’s seventh National and Provincial Elections on Wednesday.
The second accused is 47-year-old Ncebo Nkosi, who was arrested after he recorded a video of himself allegedly calling for taxi operators and owners to disrupt the elections and embark on violent protests.
The two men appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court this morning on charges of inciting public violence, contravention of the Cybercrimes Act and contravention of the Electoral Act.
They are out on R3 000 bail each. Their case has been remanded to 22 July 2024.
The inflammatory messages shared by the pair were spread widely on various social media platforms.
“The NATJOINTS has repeatedly warned social media users to refrain from posting and sharing inflammatory messages that could cause harm, mobilise communities to incite violence and engage in criminal acts,” it said.
The NATJOINTS has also been consistent in assuring communities that law enforcement agencies would act decisively against those found to be on the wrong side of the law.
“It is against this background that the NATJOINTS welcomes the decisive action taken against those who contravene the rule of law.
“Members of the public are once again discouraged from sharing inflammatory messages that quite often redirect and divert police resources and personnel from attending to serious and violent related crimes,” NATJOINTS said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 16:25
9 views
Education at the Forefront of South Africa’s Children: Afrika Tikkun celebrates International Children’s Day
South Africa is abuzz with discussions, debates and decisions as the nation awaits the outcome of the 7th democratic elections. Every citizen’s vote will shape the country’s trajectory, making this period critical for our democracy. While parties presented a variety of platforms and promises, one issue stands out prominently: education. For many South Africans, the …
Over 55% of election results captured
Over 55% of election results captured
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) had captured close to 55% of the ballots as of 9am on Friday.
According to the IEC results dashboard, the African National Congress (ANC) is taking the lead nationally, with 3 236 550 votes representing 42.07%.
The ANC is followed by the Democratic Alliance with 1 821 912 at 23.68%, while the new kids on the block the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has already secured 832 178 at 10.82%.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which is currently the third biggest party in Parliament, is sitting at 9.58% with 737 238 votes.
Newcomer, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) is also making headway at position five with 211 738 at 2.75%.
These are currently the leading parties by voting station, as the IEC officials continue to capture the results in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
The counting procedures have been concluded with only a few voting stations reported to still be counting at 3pm on Thursday.
“The process of results compilation entails ensuring accuracy and validation of the results. This process involves scanning each result slip to create an image of the result, double-blind capture of each result slip, auditing of each result slip by independent auditors,” the IEC said.
According to the commission, the resulting system was audited externally and the parties also had to verify them.
The results have been trickling in throughout the night, as capturing continues.
The IEC said last night they were sitting on a 58.69% voter turnout, hovering just below 60% of voters, with bigger stations’ results still to come in.
As per the IEC data, 27 782 777 people registered to vote, with 7 943 840 total votes cast.
Of these, 7 840 658 were valid, with 103 182 spoilt votes.
The results continue to be captured and displayed on the leaderboards at the Results Operations Centre in Midrand. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 10:03
2337 views
IEC reiterates commitment to accurate results capturing
IEC reiterates commitment to accurate results capturing
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has reiterated its commitment to achieving accuracy in the process of capturing the votes counted in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
On Thursday evening, the Commission held a briefing at the National Results Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand, Gauteng, where it detailed the latest developments in the capturing and verification process following the General Election held on Wednesday, 29 May.
Earlier on Thursday, the IEC said in a briefing that with vote counting having been concluded, each voting station would embark on a process of finalising its results.
READ | Process to finalise Elections 2024 voting station results underway
At the time of the briefing at 8pm on Thursday, IEC General Manager Granville Abrahams said the overall percentage of votes captured on the results system stood at 55.6%.
Abrahams explained that the reason the new developments were not appearing immediately on the leaderboard at the ROC is that the Commission was still verifying them to ensure accuracy.
“To achieve accuracy, we have various processes, the first one being the capturing of the results. The results slips have been received after being checked, [as well as being] scanned and audited,” Abrahams said.
Given that this was the first time there were three ballots in the National and Provincial Elections (i.e. National Ballot, Regional or Province-to-National Ballots and Provincial Ballots), Abrahams said the Commission had anticipated that the counting process would take longer.
READ | Voters urged to familiarise themselves with three ballot papers
“We did expect that we will take longer this year and to that extent, we did share with the media that we have planned to have the results announcement on Sunday. Normally, we would have it on Saturday,” Abrahams said.
Abrahams said the results will continue to trickle in throughout the night.
“That is a positive sign from the smaller municipalities. Based on what we have on the system, we are sitting on a 58.69% voter turnout, so we are hovering just below 60% of voter turnout, with bigger stations' results still to come in,” he said.
The Commission reported an incident where one ballot box, containing votes that had already been counted, went missing in transit from the voting station Matamzana Dube School in VD 43412767, KZN282, uMhlathuze.
The IEC appealed to citizens in and around Ward 14 uMhlathuze, KwaZulu-Natal, to be on the lookout for the IEC branded ballot box.
“The Commission is required to retain ballot boxes for a period of six months before disposing of them. We are quite eager to get back that ballot box so that it can be placed in storage,” Abrahams said.
The ballot box got lost while it was being transported in an open vehicle and it was discovered when they got to the destination that it was missing.
“I wish to emphasise that those votes have been counted and they have been recorded on the results slip,” said Abrahams. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 22:06
277 views
Over 20% of ballots counted in 2024 elections
Over 20% of ballots counted in 2024 elections
Halfway through the first day of vote counting in South Africa’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections, over 20% of votes have been tallied.
This is as of 2pm on Thursday at 4 710 out of 23 293 voting districts.
The Electoral Commission’s (IEC) results dashboard shows that the African National Congress (ANC) currently leads the polls with 43.51%, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 24.65%.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is sitting at 8.85%, while the uMKhonto we Sizwe (MK Party) is at around 8.11% and 4.07% for the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
Millions of South Africans took to the polls to make their mark in the National and Provincial Elections on Wednesday with many facing long, snaking queues, reminiscent of the 1994 elections.
Polls closed at 9pm last night but all citizens who were in the line were allowed to exercise their democratic right to vote for their party of choice.
The IEC said the counting of ballots occurs at the voting station where the votes are cast.
Party agents, independent candidate agents, and observers oversee the entire counting and results process and are present at all times. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 14:31
41236 views
Process to finalise Elections 2024 voting station results underway
Process to finalise Elections 2024 voting station results underway
With vote counting having been concluded in the National and Provincial Elections 2024 (NPE2024), each voting station is now expected to embark on a process to finalise its results.
This according to Electoral Commission (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sy Mamabolo, who was briefing the media at the IEC National Results Operations Centre in Midrand on Thursday afternoon.
He explained that the process is now expected to unfold as follows:
- Once the results have been counted and finalised, the presiding officer and party agents will, in the presence of observers, sign the result slip which will then be placed in a tamper-evident bag and transported to the capture centre.
- At the results capture centre, a check and balance process will ensue. This includes checking that the result slip is on the correct form, has details of the voting station and those of the presiding officer as well as a voting station unique barcode. It is then captured onto the system using the double blind method.
- Using the barcode, the results slip is then scanned and the results are electronically matched with the appropriate voting district.
- External auditors will then audit the results slip to ensure that it is captured correctly.
- The results are then taken through the Commission's exception parameters. If an exception is flagged, the results are investigated and taken through the recapture process.
- Once the results pass the test, it will then become final and available to political parties, independent candidates and the media.
WATCH | IEC media briefing
“Once all the results are finalised, the Commission will undertake the seat calculation process, based on a prescribed formula. The full list of the new public representatives will be handed over to the Chief Justice once seat assignment is completed.
“While this process is proceeding well, it is important to reflect that historically, in the first 24 hours, 80% of the results would have been finalised. However, the process in the NPE2024 has been slowed down by the third ballot, particularly in the metropolitan areas,” he said.
READ | Vote counting now concluded
The CEO emphasised that the commission has at least a week to announce the results.
“We have always been able to declare and announce the results well within this period and will endeavour to do so with these elections,” Mamabolo concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 17:03
2197 views
Hold officials personally liable to strengthen our democracy
Accountability through the ballot box is not enough
Vote counting now concluded
Vote counting now concluded
Vote counting in the National and Provincial Elections 2024 has now been completed, and the process to capture and validate results is underway.
This is according to the Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo.
Mamabolo was briefing media at the IEC’s National Results Operations Centre in Midrand on Thursday afternoon.
“For all intents and purposes, counting procedures have been concluded, with only a few voting stations reported to still be counting at 3pm. The process of results compilation entails ensuring accuracy and validation of the results.
“This process involves scanning each result slip to create an image of the result, double blind capture of each result slip, and auditing of each result slip by independent auditors. The result system was audited externally and parties had occasion to also audit,” Mamabolo said.
WATCH | IEC briefing
Mamabolo said by 4pm on Thursday, results had been concluded for some 22.6% of the voting districts – representing at least 2.3 million votes cast.
The rate of the results captured is as follows:
- Gauteng has captured 28%;
- Limpopo 26%;
- North West 36%;
- Northern Cape 63%;
- Free State 56%;
- KwaZulu-Natal 23%;
- Mpumalanga 42%;
- Eastern Cape 58%, and
- Western Cape 57%.
“A result is considered complete only when a result slip has been scanned into an image, captured onto the results system, audited by independent auditors and has gone through the automated Results System exception parameters,” Mamabolo explained.
Every vote counts
Mamabolo revealed that the last ballot to be cast on Election Day was cast in Tshwane, Gauteng, with the first results coming from the Eastern Cape.
“True to its undertaking, the Commission assisted all voters that were in the queue by 21h00. Just after midnight, the Commission announced the first result. This was in a voting district in the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Municipality in the Eastern Cape,” he said.
The CEO thanked the millions of South Africans who braved long queues at voting stations and other challenges to make their mark in these elections.
“The Electoral Commission thanks the real heroes of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. They are South Africans who stood in the queues and electoral staff who worked tirelessly to process the votes.
“The commitment and patience shown by the voters and electoral staff demonstrates their commitment to our electoral democracy,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 17:00
127 views