The Electoral Commission of South Africa visited the The Association for the Aged (TAFTA) in Overport, Durban on the second day of special votes. More than 780,000 special votes were cast on the first day of voting.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa has almost concluded day two of the special voting sessions, with teams conducting home visits to allow people to vote.
The IEC visited dozens of old-age homes and houses of applicants who applied for special votes. More than 780,000 special votes were cast on the first day of voting, with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) reporting a largely successful opening despite delays at several voting stations.
On Tuesday, the IEC reported that 1.3 million special votes had been cast in the country. Approximately 917,000 special votes were cast at voting stations while 421,000 were home based votes.
On Day 2 in Durban, IOL visited several blocks of flats and an old-age home to see how special voters were doing.
Zelda Deeb, 65, described the process as smooth and professional, and the staff as kind and compassionate and who explained the process to her in detail. Deeb said the special vote was more for her 90-year-old mother, but she could not make it to vote because she was hospitalised recently. She voted for improved service delivery and over concerns about corruption.
“When I voted, I wanted the political party to live up to their vision and mission statements. I want fairness, and I despise racial remarks or obscured religious views tied to voting. I do not like empty promises,” she said.
Different perspectives from voters
Molly Moodley, 81, from Durban, voted at home in her flat from her bedroom. Moodley described the process as easy, but felt overwhelmed when she cast her vote, sealed the envelopes, and placed them in the box.
“It is important to vote. We must know who we are putting into leadership. I would like a clean city, for bylaws like urinating in public to be enforced and more privileges for senior citizens," she said.
Bilal Mohammed from Overport had a different experience with IEC officials who came to his home. Mohammed cares for his 90-year-old mother-in-law and felt he should have been treated with respect when he tried to assist her.
“Before allowing the officials inside, I explained that I needed to assist her because she is visually impaired. They agreed, but when it was time for her to mark the ballot, they ordered me out of the room. It was difficult for her to find the name of the political party. I am also sceptical about why they arrived with only one political party as oversight. I will file a complaint with IEC,” he said.
Molly Moodley cast her special vote from her Durban home. Moodley voted because she wanted municipal by-laws to be enforced.
Day 1 performance lauded
Charnete Fouche, The Association for the Aged (TAFTA) KwaZulu-Natal North West area manager, said more than 121 senior citizens cast their special votes on Monday. She said this was the first time the IEC had taken the initiative to allow special votes to take place at TAFTA homes. She was grateful for this development.
The Commission was satisfied that the day’s proceedings created a solid basis for improved performance on Day Two of special votes and on election day. It was grateful for the co-operation of voters, candidates and political parties throughout the day, and appreciated the commitment of thousands of election officials who worked at voting stations and those who conducted home visits.
The IEC said its dedicated officials would continue conducting approved home visits until 5pm on Tuesday to facilitate special voting for eligible voters.
Charnete Fouche, The Association for the Aged (TAFTA) KwaZulu-Natal North West area manager, says more than 121 senior citizens voted at TAFTA homes in her region on Tuesday.
Mark ballot papers in private
The Commission reminded voters to observe the Do’s and Don’ts at voting stations to safeguard the secrecy, integrity and orderly conduct of the voting process. Voters are reminded that making a photographic image of marked ballot papers is strictly prohibited.. Voters must mark their ballot papers in private, in the designated voting compartments, and follow the instructions of election officials throughout the process.
Voters are further urged to respect the rights of others, maintain order at voting stations and refrain from any conduct that may disrupt the voting process. Campaigning, canvassing, intimidating or attempting to influence voters inside voting stations is not permitted. The Commission called on all voters to co-operate with election officials and observe the rules governing voting.
The Commission appealed to members of the public and political party supporters to refrain from interfering with electoral staff conducting home visits. Members of the public are also reminded that it is a criminal offence to intimidate electoral staff, and to take unauthorised pictures of these officials and post them on social media.