Pretoria - Government has called on citizens, who have not yet voted in the country’s fifth democratic elections, to make their way to voting stations.
The country’s 22 363 voting stations will close at 9pm and those queuing within the precinct will be allowed to vote.
“We are pleased that South Africans in their millions have heeded the call to vote, and have conducted themselves in an orderly and respectful manner.
“The Department of Home Affairs is satisfied with the number of citizens that continue to visit their offices to apply for temporary ID certificates and to collect uncollected ID documents and smart ID cards,” government said on Wednesday afternoon.
Home Affairs’ 313 offices across the country have been open since 7am to assist the public with enabling documents, so that they can exercise their democratic right to vote. These offices will remain open until 9pm, in line with the voting hours declared by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
Home Affairs used the remaining voting hours to urge members of the public, who have applied for barcoded IDs and smart ID cards, to collect them.
The department apologised for the inconvenience that may have been caused by an earlier technical glitch, which affected a few offices, arising from online verification. The department assured the public that the problem has now been resolved.
Government said it was encouraged by the swift manner in which isolated incidents, which could have impacted the smooth running of elections, have been resolved.
“We are confident that all citizens will continue to cast their vote in a safe and secure environment. Voting stations will be closing at 9pm. We urge voters not to wait until the last minute, but to cast their vote as soon as possible,” said Acting Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) CEO, Phumla Williams. – SAnews.gov.za
