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IEC in North West optimistic second day of voter registration will run smoother

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The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in the North West says it’s optimistic that the second day of voter registration in the province will run smoothly. This as eight of the registration stations could not be opened due to community protests on Saturday.  

It’s reported that communities were demanding the delivery of basic services and not being hired by the IEC.  

The affected areas include amongst others, Taung, Goedgevonden near Ventersdorp, Matlhonyane village in Mahikeng and Rustenburg.

“What we are complaining about is improper roads. We are not getting services in our village. We don’t have electricity even water. I did not even register because even if we do, especially after voting for a councillor, we will only see him during the next elections,” says one resident.

“I want to see changes in our area. At least, they must be built us a library, so that we can access many things such as information and a local clinic,” says another.

During his interaction with some of the communities, ANC NEC member deployed in the North West, Obed Bapela, acknowledged the challenges communities are facing. He has, however, pleaded with them not to punish the ANC and give them another chance to lead.    

“My plea to the voters is that don’t punish the ANC. Yes, there are other voters that are saying we will not vote because service delivery has not improved. We will be looking at those particular issues. We did look at state of local government nationally. Indeed, there are a quite a number of challenges. That is why we are embarking on skills also to be brought in, so that a new crop of councillors will be at different crop that will then begin to focus on service delivery and nothing else.”

Meanwhile, the IEC in the province says it is optimistic that Sunday’s registration process will run smoothly. 

IEC Provincial Electoral Officer, is Dr Tumelontle Thiba says, “I am definitely optimistic, given the fact that it was only eight of our stations that were delayed yesterday. And out of the eight, only three remained closed. This morning we hope that everything will go according to plan. We are negotiating with those who might still have reservations about allowing us to work in villages and townships and we hope that we will improve our functioning today.”

LGE 2021 | Voter registration weekend wrap-Day 1:

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