KwaDukuza:KwaZulu-Natal The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in KwaZulu-Natal has announced that it has captured 88% of the expected election results slips, with 82% independently audited, as the counting process continues across the province.
According to South African Government News Agency, Provincial Electoral Officer Ntombifuthi Masinga provided an update, stating that of the 14,245 results slips expected from 5,028 voting stations across the province, 12,601 have been captured and 11,694 independently audited by noon. The Commission is addressing challenges such as power failures, slow connectivity, staff fatigue, and recounts that are affecting the results capturing process in several municipalities.
In eThekwini, the capturing process has been ongoing despite high volumes and recounts, achieving 64% of results captured. Msunduzi has faced delays due to morning recounts, with 40% of results captured. In Msinga, storm-related power failures have been reported, yet capturing has progressed to 70%.
Abaqulusi and Ulundi have reported staff fatigue due to slow connectivity, with 63% and 64% of results captured, respectively. Ndwedwe experienced a storm-related power failure on Thursday, which disrupted operations and prompted the relocation of results capturing to the KwaDukuza Library. The municipality has recorded 59% progress. In Alfred Duma, staff fatigue due to slow connectivity has resulted in 49% of results being captured, while Inkosi Mtubatuba has reached 67%, with power failures affecting connectivity.
The Commission has reminded political parties, independent candidates, and members of the public that the deadline for lodging objections under Section 65 (S65) of the Electoral Act is 1700 today. Objections must be submitted directly to the Commission via email at [email protected] before the deadline. The Commission will review the objections and issue determinations accordingly.