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All goes well for S. African local elections: IEC

Xinhua, August 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

The South African Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said on Monday that all went well for the local government elections with the start of special voting across the country, except for a few protests.

A total of 719,222 voters successfully applied for special votes, and were expected to cast their votes on Monday and Tuesday.

"I am so happy, I've manged to vote today," one special voter in Alberton told Xinhua after casting her ballot. The elderly woman looked tired and exhausted but happy.

A few people were on the special voting list in Alberton, but IEC officials kept their doors open for the entire day.

IEC Chairperson Glen Mashinini was one of the first people to cast his vote in Johannesburg. He said the commission was more than willing and ready to assist South African voters.

The IEC will test its system on Monday and Tuesday ahead of election day on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the IEC said about 28 complaints have so far been launched. The complaints, the IEC said, are related to alleged violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct.

One of the complaints has resulted in the disqualification of a Pretoria ward candidate Thabo Mabotja who was prevented from contesting because of a racist comment he posted on Facebook. Mabotja is a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

"The process has gone well and I don't believe teething problems countered will affect its ability to deliver free and fair elections," Mashinini told Xinhua.

IEC Chief Electoral Officer Mosotho Moepya said they have dealt with 20 of the cases.

For the first time in history, this election will see 200 political parties and over 61, 000 candidates participating.

The parties are contesting 4,392 wards in all 213 municipalities. Endit