Staff Reporter
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has reported a surge in applications for special votes, with over a million applications received since this morning.
The Eastern Cape province has seen the highest number of applications, with over 200,000 registered voters applying for special votes.
The Chief Executive Officer of the IEC, Sy Mamabolo has acknowledged the last-minute rush of special vote applications.
“Earlier this morning, we were receiving 18,000 applications per minute, and clearly, people are interested and eager to take advantage of the benefits of a special vote.” He Said.
Special votes are specifically provided for individuals who are unable to travel to voting stations due to impaired mobility.
Mamabolo emphasized that those who are eligible and apply today will be entitled to have their votes cast at home through a home visit. Additionally, individuals who are unable to be present at the voting station on the official election day will have the opportunity to vote early on either the 27th or 28th of this month at their registered voting station.
Registered South African citizens have until 5pm to submit their applications as today marks the deadline for submitting applications for all special votes in this year’s National and Provincial elections both for home visits and voting station visits.
