The second day of voter registration has gone ahead smoothly in the Free State, although with low numbers. The provincial IEC earlier experienced challenges with their Voter Management Devices (VMDs) but that has been resolved.
The problem was caused mainly by network failure.
IEC Vice Chairperson, Janet Love, has expressed disappointment at the low numbers who took advantage of the registration weekend in the province. But those who came to register or verify their names on the voters’ roll, say they want to see change.
They say poor service delivery is the reason they have come to register, and ultimately elect someone who will serve them.
Some residents of informal settlements and newly-formalised settlements in Bloemfontein say they need to vote.
“I have registered today because we want someone who will be responsible for the services. We are struggling with electricity and water in a settlement,” says one resident.
“Because I wanted to vote. I want for councillors who can deliver services. Because in our area there are no toilets, no lenghts. I want change,” says another resident.
Although the number of people coming to register was low, some young people say they value the opportunity to have a voice.
“Yes, it is the first time I am voting in the local elections. I’m voting because I want to choose someone who is young and will bring change,” says one youth.
“I came to register because I believe I’m voting and I believe in change,” says another youth.
The IEC says people can continue to use the online platform to register until Monday.
Love says, “The online is going all the way through. The only time the online will close is at the end of the day that the election is proclaimed. We are anticipating and we have been told by the minister of Cogta that she is anticipating to proclaim the elections tomorrow.”
The number of political party representatives who are normally camped outside voting stations has also been low.
LGE 2021 | Final voter registration under way:
