Pretoria – Voting stations across the country have opened and the long-awaited 2014 general elections are underway.
The voting stations will remain open until 9pm this evening.
People have been queuing since the early hours of the morning to exercise their democratic right to elect a government of their choice, some as early as 4am.
Fine weather has been predicted for most parts of the country, although there has been morning fog in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State becoming fine later in the day.
Yesterday the Independent Electoral Commission said the high winds which have been forecast for the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape may cause problems for temporary voting stations which are houses in tents.
Chief Electoral Officer Mosotho Moepya said last night the IEC was well prepared for today’s election.
He appealed for all voted to exercise patience at voting stations and urged communities to respect the rights of all South Africans to make their voice heard through the electoral process.
“To all voters we say: ‘Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard and to have your say in the future of our country. South Africa needs all your votes’,” he said.
Security force deployments have been beefed up ahead of the election to ensure the election takes place peacefully and safely.
Police spokesperson Solomon Makgale said earlier this week they were satisfied that the environment remains stable and conducive to free and fair elections taking place. Police officials will be deployed at all 22 363 voting stations across the country.
All partners in the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) are in close cooperation with the IEC. – SAnews.gov.za
