IEC official dies as another is injured on first day of special voting

The first day of special voting for the 2026 Local Government Elections was marked by tragedy after an Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) official died at a voting station in Mahikeng, North West.

Another election official was hospitalised after being struck by a vehicle in KwaZulu-Natal, while delays at voting stations in Cape Town also disrupted the start of special voting.

Despite the incidents, the IEC described the overall start of special voting as positive, with most voting stations opening and assisting approved voters.

IEC official dies in Mahikeng as another is injured

The IEC confirmed that a presiding officer collapsed and died at a voting station in Mahikeng. The cause of death had not been established at the time of the announcement.

In a separate incident, a deputy presiding officer in the uKhahlamba district of KwaZulu-Natal was struck by a vehicle while travelling to a voting station and taken to hospital.

IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Shiburi said the Commission was providing support to the affected officials and the family of the deceased.

“The Commission is providing the necessary support to the affected officials who were at the stations as well as the family of the now deceased colleagues,” Shiburi said.

The incidents cast a shadow over the start of the special-voting period, which allows approved voters to cast their ballots ahead of the main election day.

Cape Town voting stations experience delays

Cape Town also experienced challenges on the first morning of special voting after delays in the delivery of ballot papers affected the opening of voting stations.

By 10:30am, only 10 of the city’s 116 wards had opened their voting stations, despite voting being scheduled to begin at 8am.

The IEC said efforts were underway to get the remaining stations operational and ensure that all approved special voters could cast their ballots.

Conditions reportedly improved later in the day, with voting operations gradually running more smoothly across the metro.

The Commission acknowledged the slow start in Cape Town but said it expected improvements as the day progressed.

IEC introduces measures to speed up voting

Despite the challenges, the IEC reported that 94% of voting stations had opened with their staff and required election materials in place.

Shiburi attributed the improved voter experience to several efficiency measures introduced by the Commission.

These include handheld scanners used alongside digital Voter Management Devices (VMDs) to speed up identity verification, improve accuracy and reduce delays at voting stations.

The IEC also upgraded its voter management systems and applications following challenges experienced during previous elections.

Another measure involves introducing sequence numbers on the voters’ roll, allowing election officials to locate voters more quickly.

The Commission has urged voters to confirm their voting station details and sequence numbers before heading out to vote.

Voters can check their information through the IEC’s WhatsApp line on 0600 88 0000, its contact centre on 0800 11 8000 or by sending an SMS to 32810 at a cost of R1.

Special voting continues until Tuesday

Special voting is taking place over two days, with voting stations open from 7am to 5pm for people whose special-vote applications have been approved.

Voters must bring an acceptable form of identification, which includes:

• A smart ID card.
• A green barcoded ID book.
• A Temporary Identity Certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs.

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

The IEC has encouraged voters to check their registration details and voting arrangements ahead of election day to avoid unnecessary delays.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Source: citizen.co.za