IEC official dies after collapsing at voting station during special votes

The first day of special voting for the 2026 Local Government Elections has been overshadowed by the death of an IEC presiding officer who collapsed at a voting station in Mahikeng.

Another Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) official was also injured in a motor vehicle accident in KwaZulu-Natal.

IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Shiburi confirmed both incidents during a media briefing on Monday, November 2, as special voting got underway across the country.

Despite the incidents, Shiburi reported that voting had started positively in most areas, with 94% of voting stations opening with their staff and required materials, including ballot papers, in place.

However, there were delays in Cape Town, where 10 of the city’s 116 wards had not opened their voting stations by 10:30am.

The IEC said efforts were being made to get the outstanding stations operational and ensure that approved special voters could cast their ballots.

“In the majority of cases, voters have been smoothly assisted with demonstrable improvement owing to the various efficiency measures that the Commission has implemented,” Shiburi said.

IEC official dies in Mahikeng

The IEC confirmed that a presiding officer died after collapsing at a voting station in Mahikeng.

The Commission also reported that a deputy presiding officer in the uKhahlamba district of KwaZulu-Natal had been involved in a motor vehicle accident and was taken to hospital.

Shiburi said the IEC was providing support to colleagues affected by the incidents, as well as the family of the deceased official.

Despite the difficult start, the Commission said its overall performance on the first day had been positive.

It also acknowledged the challenges experienced in Cape Town, saying it hoped to improve operations during the afternoon and deliver a better performance on Tuesday, the final day of special voting.

IEC introduces new measures to reduce voting delays

The Commission has introduced additional measures aimed at speeding up voter processing and improving the experience at voting stations.

These include handheld scanners connected to the Voter Management Device (VMD), which allow officials to scan identity numbers more efficiently and help keep queues moving.

The IEC has also upgraded the functionality of its voter management devices and their applications to improve reliability.

Another change involves the introduction of sequence numbers on the voters’ roll. This allows officials to locate registered voters using their allocated numbers rather than relying solely on names.

Voters are encouraged to confirm their registration information before heading to their voting stations.

The IEC provides several ways to check these details:

• WhatsApp: 0600 88 0000
• Contact centre: 0800 11 8000
• SMS: Send an SMS to 32810 at a cost of R1.

These services allow voters to confirm their designated voting station and sequence number on the voters’ roll.

The IEC contact centre operates from 7am to 7pm during the special-voting period. On Wednesday, November 4, it will operate until 9pm.

Special voting continues until Tuesday

Special voting will continue until 5pm on Monday and Tuesday for people whose applications have been approved.

Voters casting their ballots at their registered voting stations must bring an acceptable form of identification. This includes a smart ID card, a green barcoded ID book or a Temporary Identity Certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs.

Home Affairs offices are also maintaining operating hours aligned with voting stations to assist people who need replacement identification documents.

Meanwhile, IEC teams conducting home visits are expected to return by 5pm each day to allow officials to reconcile and securely store special ballots overnight.

The Commission confirmed that special votes would remain securely stored and would only be counted after voting stations close on Wednesday.

The main voting day for the 2026 Local Government Elections is Wednesday, November 4, when registered voters across the country will elect their municipal representatives.

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Source: IOL