The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has indicated that the problem of temporary voting stations that are blown away by strong winds is growing. This is according to IEC’s Operations Manager in the Free State, Itumeleng Liba. The commission is yet to reveal the latest figures of temporary stations that are still affected.

Earlier this morning, 13 temporary stations-from Maluti-a-Phofung and Matjhabeng municipalities-were mostly affected by strong winds. Speaking at the IEC’s provincial Results Operation Centre, today (Wednesday), Liba mentioned that they were consulting with officials at various affected temporary stations to relocate the stations, once they have everyone’s consent.

“We have also briefed the political parties who are based at the provincial results operation centre and they have all agreed that we should make a plan in acquiring alternative venues.

The bottom-line is that people must vote and they should also be given an opportunity to exercise their right. We also have some instances where there is power outages because of the weather. Eskom is also on the ground and they are represented here and communicating with us.” – Refilwe Gaeswe