KWAZULU-NATAL — The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in KwaZulu-Natal has successfully captured 88% of the expected election results slips, with 82% independently audited, as counting and verification efforts continue across the province. Provincial Electoral Officer Ntombifuthi Masinga confirmed these figures, outlining both the operational milestones achieved and the logistical challenges impacting the finalization of the electoral data.
According to Masinga, of the 14,245 results slips expected from 5,028 voting stations across the province, 12,601 had been captured and 11,694 independently audited by 12:00 PM. The Commission continues to navigate several challenges affecting the results capturing process in multiple municipalities, notably power failures, slow internet connectivity, staff fatigue, and the necessity for recounts.
Progress varies across different regions due to these localized issues:
– eThekwini: High volumes and ongoing recounts have affected progress, though capturing has continued steadily, reaching 64% completion.
– Msunduzi: The process experienced delays due to morning recounts requiring the rolling-back of results slips, with 40% of results captured.
– Msinga: Storm-related power failures disrupted operations, but capturing progressed to 70%.
– Abaqulusi and Ulundi: Both municipalities reported staff fatigue exacerbated by slow connectivity, with results capturing at 63% and 64%, respectively.
– Ndwedwe: A storm-related power failure on Thursday between 15:30 and 16:30 disrupted operations. This prompted the relocation of results capturing to the KwaDukuza Library, which is serving as the KwaDukuza capturing site. The municipality has recorded 59% progress.
– Alfred Duma: Staff fatigue due to slow connectivity slowed operations, with 49% of results captured.
– Inkosi Mtubatuba: Reached 67% completion, though power failures continue to affect connectivity.
The Commission has issued a formal reminder to political parties, independent candidates, and members of the public that the deadline for lodging objections under Section 65 (S65) of the Electoral Act is 17:00 today.
Masinga clarified that this provision relates to instances where an objector believes that irregularities occurring at a voting station during voting or counting may have compromised the credibility or integrity of the election. The Commission will review all lodged objections and issue determinations accordingly.
To be considered, objections must be submitted directly to the Commission via email at [email protected] prior to the 17:00 deadline.
