Elections 2026: Special voting off to a BAD start in parts of Western Cape

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in the Western Cape has apologised after delays in the delivery of special voting ballots prevented 217 voting stations in the Cape Metro from opening on time on Monday morning.

Provincial Electoral Officer Michael Hendrickse said the delays were caused by an unforeseen hold-up in the delivery of special vote ballots.

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‘Unforeseen delay’

At 08:00 on Monday, 2 November, the affected voting stations had been unable to begin special voting as scheduled.

“Despite the best efforts of the IEC and the printing company contracted to carry out the production of the ballots, there has been an unforeseen delay in the delivery of Special Vote ballots in some areas,” Hendrickse said.

He stressed that the situation was changing as voting stations began opening once ballots arrived.

“This is a fluid situation, as these voting stations are opening as ballots are received. Citizens are assured that all security measures are in place for the transport and delivery of the special vote ballots,” he said.

The IEC confirmed that the delays affected the Cape Metro, while voting stations in the outer regions of the Western Cape were operating smoothly.

Hendrickse apologised to voters affected by the disruption, adding that the commission remained committed to ensuring that everyone whose special vote application had been approved could cast their ballot.

More than 2.6 million special votes approved

The special voting period takes place on Monday, 2 November, and Tuesday, 3 November, ahead of the main Local Government Election on Wednesday, 4 November.

Nationwide, the IEC approved 2 655 067 special vote applications.

Special votes cater for registered voters who may be unable to reach their voting stations because of physical infirmity or disability, as well as those who will not be available to vote at their registered voting stations on Election Day.

‘Honour our mandate’

The IEC has committed to fulfilling its obligation to ensure that approved special voters have an opportunity to cast their ballots over the two-day period.

“It is our intention to honour our mandate and make sure every voter exercises their democratic right to cast their vote,” Hendrickse said.

The commission said security measures were in place for the transportation and delivery of the delayed ballots.