Voting stations opened this morning as municipal by-elections got underway in Thaba Nchu.
According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in the Free State, all ten voting stations within the hotly contested Ward 39 managed to open without any incidents or glitches.
IEC spokesperson, Itumeleng Liba, says they are expecting a better voter turnout than the 53,67% during the 2016 municipal elections.
“We expect everything to go smoothly. People are already coming to the stations. They came as early as 07:00. There is high interest from all contesting political parties in these by-elections. As you would recall, we have seven political parties, as well as one independent [candidate],” he says.
The final day of election campaigning saw parties go all out in order to mobilise as many voters as possible with door-to-door campaigns.
The entire Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State took to the streets of Thaba Nchu, led by Chairperson, Ace Magashule, on Monday.
Democratic Alliance (DA) ward councillor candidate, Karabo Moreeng, held a campaign rally along national leader, Mmusi Maimane, as well as provincial leader, Patricia Kopane.
DA leader Maimane with FS DA leader Patricia Kopane interacting with residents @OFMNews9497 @BfnCourant #ByElections pic.twitter.com/9GBzHYMB92
— OFM News (@OFMNews9497) February 27, 2017
Other candidates include Nozenza Cezula of the ANC. The EFF is represented by Tsholohelo Mosemeng. The AAC, Cope and the Forum For Service Delivery (F4SD) are represented by Tshidisang Tsie, Tatolo Mphahlele, and Chiloane Thole respectively.
Itumeleng McDonald Mosala is the sole independent candidate.
Voting stations close at 21:00 tonight.
Moeketsi Mogotsi/Courant News
