Countdown on 2016 Local Government Elections

South Africans have less than a few days before they can go to the polls to elect the municipal representatives of their choice in their voting districts.

Come 3 August, all eligible voters will make their way to cast their votes at more than 22 000 voting stations across South Africa.

The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) said a total of 26 333 353 have registered to vote for the upcoming Local Government Elections.

“The commission has also received over 285 000 applications for special votes. “Of these, approximately 30% are for home visits,” said the IEC.

Ballot papers

The commission said there are a total of 4 649 unique ballot papers for the 2016 Local Government Elections. This comprises 4 392 ward ballot papers, 205 local council Proportional Representation (PR) ballot papers, 8 metro council PR ballot papers, and 44 district council ballot papers.

“Voters in metros will complete two ballot papers and voters in all other municipalities will complete three ballot papers.

“The Electoral Commission is currently printing approximately 73.9 million copies of ballot papers to ensure sufficient ballots for all voters,” it said.

Home Affairs working hours

The Department of Home affairs has also urged all citizens to ensure they have valid identity documents to enable them to vote. The department’s working hours have been extended ahead of the elections across the country.

The new working hours across the country are: 
Saturday, 30 July 2016 – 08h30 to 17h00
Monday, 1 August 2016 – 08h30 to 18h00
Tuesday, 2 August 2016 – 08h30 to 18h00
Wednesday, 3 August 2016 – 07h00 to 19h00

This will allow citizens to collect their green barcoded ID books, smart ID cards or temporary ID certificates.

The total of all uncollected identity documents, according to the department stands at 282 300.