Durban - Around 100 000 people across KwaZulu-Natal had registered to vote in the upcoming local government elections which will take place on 18 May.
KwaZulu-Natal chief electoral officer, Mawethu Mosery said voter participation has increased in this weekend compared to the first which took place earlier in February.
"This being the last weekend before elections could be the reason for the increase in number," said Mosery.
He added, the setting of the election date - May 18 - must have also influenced people to verify their details or register to vote.
Political parties' canvassing efforts was the other reason for more people coming out this weekend, said Mosery.
There were no demarcation issues reported to the IEC so far this weekend.
The IEC however did have one logistical dilemma in Bergville, where a bridge was washed away.
Mosery said the IEC worked with KZN disaster management and rescue services to ensure the affected voting station was up and running on Sunday.
"If more people show up and can't be assisted on time by the end of today, we will give them more time to vote on Monday. Other than this incident, we did not have any other issues in KZN," said Mosery.
Niri Thool, an IEC official at the Olympia Primary School in Phoenix said the numbers for this weekend was similar to the initial voter registration weekend.
"A lot of people who have registered opted to check their details via the sms and Internet options, that could be a reason for not many people coming through this weekend," said Thool.
In ward 50, a new area that sprung up has resulted in more registrations, according to presiding officer Jane Moonsamy.
She said older people have visited the station, more than younger people.
"I am here because this is a social service. The older people don't have access to technology and don't always understand the processes. It is such a pleasure to help them. I have been a teacher here for 26 years so I know this community very well. I am so pleased that they are interested in this election," said Moonsamy.
More youngsters have been have registered at a voting station at Forest Haven Secondary. There was a rush on Saturday and more people are expected by the end of the today, said deputy presiding officer Anita Sookllal. - BuaNews
