The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has expressed concern over crumbling infrastructure at voting stations in the Eastern Cape, warning that it is threatening access ahead of upcoming elections.
In a report presented to stakeholders, the IEC highlighted that approximately 52 voting stations have inaccessible roads, particularly in the Amathole District Municipality and other areas. The number of stations without water and electricity has also increased since 2024. Vandalism at disused schools has been identified as a significant driver of the infrastructure deterioration.
Eastern Cape Electoral Operations Deputy Manager Masindi Mosehana explained that the IEC does not own the facilities used as voting stations. These belong to various stakeholders, including schools, municipal buildings, and municipal halls.
“Every election, at the beginning when we start contracting our voting stations, we conduct a survey to look at the fit-for-purpose condition of our voting stations,” Mosehana said. “The information that we derive from that survey is then shared with various stakeholders across the province at a provincial election task team… to ensure that they work with us and assist us in getting those voting stations ready.”
Mosehana noted that responses from stakeholders over recent elections have generally been positive. Municipalities have graded roads to allow delivery of election materials, while Eskom, municipalities, and the Department of Education have assisted with electricity, ablution facilities, and other needs. In some cases, support has come in the form of temporary facilities such as tents and portable ablution units.
The IEC hopes these measures evolve beyond temporary fixes for election periods. “We are hoping that over time the addressing of these deficiencies… may not just be a temporary respite just for election purposes, but that more permanent solutions may be found to ensure that… the people in those communities are able to enjoy those facilities as fully working facilities,” Mosehana added.
The combination of deteriorating infrastructure and service delivery protests poses challenges to voter participation. The Eastern Cape has about 5 million eligible voters, but a significant portion of young eligible voters remain unregistered. According to Stats SA data cited by Mosehana, there are approximately 240,000 young people aged 18-19 of voting age, yet only around 96,000 (less than 50%) are on the voters’ roll.
Factors contributing to low registration include apathy in areas struggling with service delivery. However, the IEC has undertaken targeted initiatives. A tertiary institution campaign launched in September 2025 yielded around 16,000 new registrations, with a further phase in March adding about 19,000. In total, the province recorded roughly 98,000 new registrations in 2025-2026, mostly from young people.
Following the announcement of the election date, an additional 2,400 new registrations — primarily by young people — were recorded in the past seven days.
A stakeholder meeting convened by the MEC, including the IEC, is scheduled to address infrastructure issues and overall election readiness in the province.
Current adverse weather, which has damaged homes, roads, and businesses in areas such as the Kouga local municipality, adds to the challenges. With the general voter registration weekend set for 20 and 21 June, the IEC is actively assessing affected infrastructure.
Mosehana confirmed that there remains sufficient time to address issues through stakeholder support, including alternative or temporary facilities, to ensure all stations are open for registration.