ELECTION UPDATE 2006 SOUTH AFRICA Number 2 30 March 2006
contents
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION DAY Limpopo 1 Northern Cape 4 Western Cape 12 North West Province 16 Mpumalanga 19 KwaZulu-Natal 22 Eastern Cape 28 Gauteng 30 Free State 35
EISA Editorial Team Jackie Kalley, Khabele Matlosa, Denis Kadima
Published with the assistance of the OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATION – SOUTH AFRICA
LIMPOPO area along the Lepelle River, manager in Limpopo, the electoral staff together with biggest problem in the Kholofelo Mashabela their electoral equipment had province was getting the University of Limpopo to cross the river using a senior IEC officials to the traditional form of cable car polling stations for Polling Stations called segwaigwai. In the monitoring purposes, but the Giyani area, only 100 people voting stations were not All 2175 voting districts in in one community cast their affected as the electoral Limpopo were operational votes because the voters had officers and electorate on the day of the local to cross a running river to get mainly lived in the areas government elections, 1 to the voting stations. where the polling stations March 2006. Thanks to the Furthermore, in other areas were located. An additional favourable weather, most of Giyani voters had to be was experienced in obtaining polling stations opened on transported in trucks to get confirmation from the time. However, in the far- them across waterlogged presiding officers at the flung rural areas of the areas to the voting stations. stations. It had been arranged province, a week of heavy that at 07h00 when the rains put the election process According to Mrs N C stations opened, all voting under pressure. In the Penge Neswiswsi, deputy EDDE stations would alert the nerve election update 2006 South Africa number 2 centre by SMS that they had it had no way of determining Others would say they opened. The SMS traffic at whether or not the secrecy of wanted to vote for the person that point was so great that the ballot could have been who provides their pension, there was a near jam of the compromised by illiteracy. the school buildings and the airwaves. This resulted in Mr. Thivhilaeli Nedohe, feeding programme at some of these confirmations communications manager of schools. When told that it being received much later in the IEC in Limpopo said that was not any of the the day, but all indicated their report on the elections contestants but the they had been sent at the may or may not throw more government that provided agreed time. light on this factor. these services, they would similarly become upset. Still All stations closed on time at However Mrs Neswiswi said others described parties by 19h00 but voters who were that the debriefing sessions their symbols, often already in the voting stations held with Presiding Officers confusing symbols that were had been allowed to continue and municipalities after the used by particular parties casting their votes. This elections had not indicated with those not officially resulted in voting stations that this posed a problem. registered by any party. This closing business for the day This was substantiated by the also had an effect of at 21h00. This also affected lack of recorded complaints delaying the voting process. the release of results as those from any of the party agents stations that closed business suggesting that they believed The scenario in the previous later, provided the results to the illiteracy of voters could paragraph, although not their municipalities later. have compromised the critical, should be worrying This had resulted in the secrecy of the ballot. for those concerned with the municipalities releasing their elections being above board. results at a much later time. A case study focusing on a In a way it echoes what was voting district in the said by Limpopo PEO, the Secrecy of the Ballot Fetakgomo local Reverend Zwo Nevhutalu at municipality, in the Greater the launch of the operations Although the mechanism for Sekhukhune District centre. He had said that a secret ballot in terms of provides some interesting “democracy illiteracy” in the human resources and insights. The Presiding province was critical. physical Officer at Maebe Primary provision/arrangement of School voting district said The Voting Process polling booths, were that illiterate voters provided for by the IEC, especially the elderly, proved In most areas voting stations voter illiteracy and the problematic in ensuring a opened on time. Generally general illiteracy of the completely secret ballot. voting started off slowly, population are likely to have Elderly voters would come mainly by the adult compromised the secrecy of in and say they had come to population, and senior the ballot. Many voters, vote for Mandela. When told citizens in particular. This especially in the rural areas that Mandela was no longer tendency was also noted by are barely literate and for involved in active politics, the SABC radio stations in them issues raised by parties they became upset. The Limpopo, who ran a running in their campaigns have officials and party agent commentary on the voting largely been academic and it were then forced to show the process in the province. was either personalities or voter the ballot paper and According to spot interviews symbolism that held sway on ask the voter to identify the on radio the youth said they how they would vote. On the party that closely resembled were showing deference to other hand the IEC said that what they were looking for. adults by not voting early.
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Most of the youth flocked to the period after work to cast would theoretically put a voting stations in the late their votes. ‘spoilt votes party’ in overall afternoons leading to third position in the congestion in many voting There were some incidents, province, underscoring the districts towards the close of however, that marred the need for more intensive voter voting. This was voting. At Mankweng’s education. According to IEC compounded by those who Klaas Mothapo School officials at some voting had worked a half day or full voting district, members of stations, there are voters who day who arrived at the the public reported used their ballot papers to stations only after work. loudhailer campaigning register their protests against Some voting stations in the within earshot of the voting the system. province were forced to district. An IEC official said delay counting to allow he had not heard this as he Voting Behaviour crowds of people who had was probably inside the not yet voted, but were school buildings at the time The voters in Limpopo gave inside the stations at the the alleged breach of the the ANC a massive vote of designated closing time to electoral Code of Conduct confidence with 2 369 900 cast their votes. took place. votes, which translated into 83,99% of the voter support. The IEC provided statistics At another Mankweng The ANC won 933 of the that showed that elections voting district, Ditlalemeso available 1 240 seats. This kicked off to a brisk start and Secondary School, several translated into 75.24% of the working up to a peak verbal altercations took place vote. The DA won 154 461 between 13h00 and 17h00 intermittently between an or 5.47% of the votes and the when stations closed. The independent candidate and rest of the contestants shared following table indicates the alleged members of the the remaining19.33% of the cumulative number of voters ANC. One of theses took valid votes. on election day: place just outside the designated voting area while The figures provided by the Cumulative Number Time Period of Voters on others took place outside the IEC reveal an interesting 92 Elections Day entrance to the school. 010 votes or 3.26% of the 07h00 - 09h00 348 598 09h01 - 11h00 549 930 SABC radio also reported vote going to an unspecified 11h01 - 13h00 1 549 450 the incidents. ‘other’. The rest of the 13h01 - 15h00 1 686 032 15h01 - 17h00 1 760 060 parties did not reach a 17h01 - 19h00 2 976 775 Citizen Participation percentage vote higher than 3,26% each and this The figures provided There were 2 145 186 voters indicates a serious inability indicate that between 11h01 registered to vote in by the parties to attract and 13h00 a million votes Limpopo with a potential 6 disaffected voters. It could were cast, indicating that 435 558 votes to be cast. The also be argued that the most voters waited until late potential rose because each 55.25% of the potential in the morning before going voter was required to cast voters who did not cast their to the polls. Another peak three votes: for ward, PR and votes failed to notice the period was between 17h01 district council. appeal of the opposition and 19h00, indicating that parties. The ANC had a the youth had targeted this All in all, 2 821 502 valid 100% sweep of all seats in late period to vote. It would votes or 44.75% of potential 14 out of the 25 also suggest that there are votes were cast in the municipalities which were many workers who did not province and a further 58 being contested and are the receive a holiday and used 147 votes were spoilt. This leading party in the other 11
3 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 municipalities. The Sekhukhune Department of Political Total Votes following results show the Party in Percentage Science at the University of performance of the different the District the Free State as observers ANC 154 170 85.94 parties in the five districts of AZAPO 6 216 3.46 on election day. The Limpopo shows how DA 7 419 4.14 observation programme overwhelming the support PAC 5 212 2.96 centred on polling stations UIF 5.073 2.83 for the ANC has been in the VF 1.311 0.73 within the towns of elections. TOTAL 179 401 Kimberley, Taung, Magagong, Jan Kempdorp, Vhembe The voting in all the Harstwater, Warrenton, Total municipal districts shows an Party Votes Percentage Winsorton and Barkley in District overwhelming ANC West. ACDP 5 809 2.39 electoral victory. This ANC 208 763 86.22 ADP 508 0.20 implies the electorate in In a number of provinces AZAPO 1 844 0.76 Limpopo has confidence in millions of South Africans DA 10 315 4.26 DBF 1 226 0.50 the ruling party to deliver on ventured into the wet and ID 3 788 1.56 its election promises, flooded areas to cast their PAC 3 927 1.62 UDM 2.154 0.88 providing a heavy ballots. The Northern Cape VF 711 - responsibility on the ANC to was no exception. The XP 3 061 1.26 deliver on services. The weather was a great concern TOTAL 242 106 performance of the other as it was predicted to be an Mopani District parties could also mean that aggravating factor in terms Total they have not understood the of lower voting turnout. The Party Votes Percentage dynamics of electoral in District IEC made provision for this ACDP 5 133 2.49 politics. They could do well by arranging to have ANC 173 830 84.49 to study what the ANC has helicopters on standby to fly ADP 3 865 1.87 DA 9 457 4.59 done from as far back as voting officials and materials ID 970 0.47 1994 and study the to inaccessible areas due to PAC 4.738 2.30 UDM 3 002 1.45 campaigns of parties that flooding. Areas which were XP 4 722 2.29 have won elections all over particularly vulnerable to TOTAL 205 717 the world in the past two flooding were the diamond
Waterberg decades. mine areas along the Vaal Total River. The communities’ Party Votes Percentage in District NORTHERN CAPE activities were seriously ACDP 1 668 1.48 affected when low level ANC 92 289 81.89 bridges were flooded. Areas AZAPO 593 0.53 Angelique Harsant and DA 10 079 8.94 Constanze Bauer which were affected were PAC 2 290 2.03 Department of Political Science Warrenton, Riverton, UDM 1 205 1.06 VF 4.565 4.05 University of the Free State Windsorton, Deportshoop, TOTAL 112 689 and Sydney-on-Vaal. Introduction Capricorn Party Total Percentage On the day of the election Votes This contribution looks at the many eligible voters feared in District ACDP 3 635 1.84 following aspects of the for their safety by crossing ANC 166 014 83.88 2006 elections i.e., polling the low-water concrete ADP 871 0.44 stations, ballots, voting AZAPO 2.669 1.35 bridge to the polling stations DA 13 164 6.65 behaviour and public at Barkley West. At the time PAC 2 292 1.16 participation mainly at the of the election the Vaaldam UDM 4 696 2.37 VF 1 938 0.98 first hand information was 108,31% full; dams such TOTAL 197 928 gathered by members of the as Bloemhof stood at
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103,4% and the Warrenton process was hassle-free with also highlighted the fact that dyke at 85,16% (Joubert, no major problems in the the OSPD would avail 2006:1). Greater Sol Plaatje clearly marked vehicles (to municipality (DFA 2006:6).. avoid the corrupt use Citizen Participation on The IEC indicated that bad thereof) to assist the disabled Election Day weather conditions and in 27 municipal districts in power failures in Keimoes the Northern Cape. There were numerous factors and Orania did not influence which played a role in public the voting process. Bekebeke The NGOs, such as the participation on 1 March stated with regards to Association for the 2006 during the local problem areas the IEC has Physically Disabled (APD), government elections such as “ensured that there are issued a moral plea to technical factors, the generators at counting political parties to avoid disabled, the Volkstaat in stations. The mobile stations using the disabled for the Orania, the media, the managed to travel on the benefit of their party’s influence of political parties road to Kuruman that was agenda. The chairperson of and the weather. A role was previously waterlogged by the APD indicated that also played by the police and the rain” (Kwon Hoo, parties found doing this the armed forces. While 2006:3). would be publicly identified travelling through the and humiliated. Northern Cape on election The Disabled day, police vehicles, Political parties commended helicopters, and police men The disabled community in this initiative. The and women were visibly the Northern Cape were not chairperson of the APD, present. The police excluded from the voting Dorothy-Ann Howitson, confirmed that they had no process and the Independent thanked the OSPD for major issues to deal with at Electoral Commission (IEC) assisting with mobility the polling stations. in the province made special impairments in order that provision to accommodate this sector of the community Technical Factors these voters. The IEC in could fulfil their democratic partnership with political right to vote. (DFA, 2006:6). Just hours before the election parties and representatives of was scheduled to take place, non-governmental Orania parts of the Northern Cape organisations (NGOs) experienced power failures. drafted a plan to assist The ‘Volkstaat’ (Afrikaner A team from Eskom was disabled persons in terms of homeland) concept is unique dispatched to the affected logistical aspects such as to the Northern Cape areas in the province as the transport to, from and at Province. The residents of Koeberg Unit 2 was not polling stations. Orania do not participate in generating electricity. The the formal electoral process Chief Provincial Electoral Mzimkhululu Twasa, a but have chosen to hold their Officer, Mr Bekebeke, representative from the own election. The aim of this responded by reassuring that Office on the Status of separate election is to elect a the failures should not affect People with disabilities seven member council the voting procedures on (OSPD) indicated that “it known as the Orania Election Day (Modiba, 2006: was disappointing that the Representative Council. The 5). issue of special votes had not function of this is to been covered by the law and negotiate with the Most presiding officers that the drafted plan offered government to establish or confirmed that the voting short term solutions. Twasa obtain the formal
5 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 independent municipal status The residents of Orania have election, Mompati once for the ‘Volkstaat’. The high hopes for the 2006 again took the opportunity to voting procedure for this e- election which includes rally for an ANC’s victory election is for voters to having a representative of by stating that “the ANC will register on-line at Orania serving on the local be victorious once again and www.orania.co.za and vote district municipality. will immediately accelerate via internet. One of the According to Eleanor its service delivery representatives out of the Lombard (DFA, 2006:3) “it programme. The target set in seven Orania councillors will be of great symbolic our manifesto will be must reside outside the town value to Orania’s bid for realised without failure” of Orania. self-determination if a (Ramoroka, 2006:4). resident of the town is voted The candidates who have onto the district council President Mbeki has pledged availed themselves for this where he will serve on an to encourage and promote position include Albert van equal footing with the gender equality by launching Zyl, a lecturer from the representatives for other a 50:50 campaign for the North West University, local municipalities”. 2006 election. The ANC Advocate Anton Alberts, a Women’s League supports nuclear physician Dr. Jakes Lombard told the DFA these efforts and regards the Moller, and a computer (2006:3) that she regards this 2006 election as a victory for programmer Annatjie as a positive indication of a overcoming patriarchy and Joubert. Orania has been will to participate and achieving gender amalgamated into a single cooperate with local transformation. As the ANC municipality which includes authorities, however Women’s League also Hopetown and Strydenburg residence still require the celebrates the Leagues 50th by the Demarcation Board. acknowledgement of their anniversary of the Women’s Eleanor Lombard, a right to self-determination. march of 1956; the League representative from Orania, also regards the 2006 explains that a High Court Political Parties election as an epoch-making ruling in Kimberley has landmark in the given legal status to the As political parties anxiously emancipation of women in Orania Representative anticipated the voting this country (DFA, 2006:4). Council. This ruling is on process to take its course and The ANC in the Northern condition that the two parties campaigned to sway votes in Cape took proactive steps as reach a negotiated their favour, Neville voter apathy became settlement. After five years Mompati, provincial apparent at polling stations an agreement has not been secretary of the ANC said on Election Day by sending reached and the negotiating that the ANC wished to win out 27 teams to encourage process continues. at least 68% of the electorate voters to cast their ballots and to convincingly claim all (Kwon Hoo 2006:3). The Members of the Orania municipalities in the question is how did the Representative Council have province. The ANC smaller parties view the indicated that they are contested all wards except in election process and voting satisfied with the way the Renosterberg where the behaviour in general? town has delivered services parties’ candidate failed to to its residents and has a register in time. Mompati On the whole, the voting favourable bank balance said that the ANC’s strength process went smoothly (DFA, 2006:3 and Internet, does not lie with individuals without major incidents or 2006…Orania se but with the party’s ‘mass threats to open competition verkiesing). character’. Just prior to the and free choice. However,
6 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 some opposition parties target votes for proportional financial problems of the Sol raised concerns around the representation; that is with Plaatje Municipality. Besides process. Herholdt Robertson, the second ballot paper citing the 410 million rand DA provincial leader, (Coetzee, 2006:1). debt, the ruling ANC indicated that he had allegedly reconnected certain received complaints from Media services that was previously DA party agents that they disconnected due to non- had been refused permission As the SABC awaited the payment. The ANC to gain entry into some of the arrival of the Northern Cape responded by saying that the voting stations. DA party Premier, Dipuo Peters, to normal procedures are being agents also complained that cast her vote at Kimberley followed to disconnect the voting officers were Junior School, two members services (Van der Merwe, encouraging voters to vote of the crew were confronted 2006:1). for certain parties (DFA, by an unidentified party 2006:7). agent for only giving Voting Behaviour coverage to the African The ACDP, according to National Congress (ANC) The one concern of the IEC provincial leader Francious and for not giving all parties is that technical and weather van Wyk, was worried about the same opportunity (DFA, conditions can be managed the lack of any visibly 2006:5). but an aspect which cannot marked vehicles meant for The African Christian be managed is the voting transporting disabled voters Democratic Party (ACDP) behaviour and voting apathy to and from voting stations also indicated that the party of voters. Dipuo Peters, (DFA, 2006:7).. wished to lodge a complaint Premier of the Northern against the SABC radio and Cape, and her daughter The Independent Democrats’ television broadcasting Boitumelo Peters cast their (ID) representative, channels for excluding the vote at Kimberley Junior Lawrence Thete complained party from the broadcasters’ School on 1 March 2006. that party agents of various coverage of the Northern Boitumelo Peters (18) flew parties were not allowed in Cape Province. to Kimberley from Cape some voting stations. Some Town where she is studying candidates wearing party T- The ACDP’s provincial to cast her vote for the very shirts were seen within the leader, Francoius van Wyk, first time. When interviewed boundaries of certain voting voiced his objection by at the school by the media stations (DFA, 2006:7). stating that the exclusion of she wanted to send a the party from the SABC’s passionate message to the According to Mr Carel coverage of the Northern youth stating that by Boshoff the Freedom Front Cape was “…an action “…voting it means that I Plus is a “niche-party not for against the Christian vote in make a difference as part of whites but for Afrikaners” South Africa and is totally the youth in this country. It and does not aim to be a big unacceptable” (DFA, is really important to be able party but would rather 2006:5). to vote” (Modiba, 2006:6). participate strategically in In various parts of the the governance of South On the other hand, certain Greater Sol Plaatjie Africa. The Freedom Front media groups were out to (Kimberley) Municipality, Plus therefore only has discredit the ruling party. voter- turnout was not candidates in a quarter of the With or without intention the satisfactory. A resident from 174 wards in the Northern Naspers-owned Noordkaap Roodepan commented that Cape. According to Boshoff weekly newspaper ran a residents from this area had the party’s campaign is to front page article about the indicated that they were not
7 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 going to vote and that the the party. Residents said that voting for the ruling party” low voter-turnout showed a poster on a pole reveals (DFA, 2006: 8). Another that they were serious (DFA, neither who the candidate farmer indicated that he 2006:6). actually is nor what he could would vote for the do for the community. Democratic Alliance, but In Lerato Park, Phutanang Residents expected at least a only half-heartedly, because and Galeshewe, the voter flyer or a phone call of it would take the vote away turnout was also low introduction and from the ANC. These considering the fact that information. One resident sentiments revealed that the thousands of people took the initiative to farmers support a stronger regisered to vote during the personally inquire and seek opposition in South Africa. It previous IEC registration information but this only is also important to mention drives of 1 September 2005 ended in frustration because that the DFA only and 19-20 November 2005. no party could be interviewed a few farmers in At closing time, i.e. 7pm, an successfully contacted. the area and these sentiments estimated 55,5% of voters should not be generalised had voted. This compared Besides the ANC, no other without further investigation. favourably to Gauteng which party was listed in the The above mentioned registered the lowest telephone directory. In farmers clearly do not percentage of voters which contrast to these findings, support the ruling party, but stood at 42,3%. Carel Boshoff from the at the same time the Freedom Front Plus stated opposition party cannot rest Voter turnout was that aside from the posters, on its laurels. particularly low in flyers had been dropped off Perservance, Floors and and candidates were The behaviour of these Platfontein in the Northern introduced to residents voters raises questions about Cape. Justice Bekebeke, through letters placed in their motivation and provincial IEC commissioner letter boxes and door-to-door perceptions. A positive said that voters were canvassing. Neville Mompati aspect to emerge is that the expected to rush to voting said that the ANC focused farming community in stations between 5pm and their canvassing on areas in general in the Northern Cape 7pm. He went on to explain which they did not win. The are strongly in favour of all that several political parties party used brochures, door- voters casting their votes. As lodged complaints on voter to-door canvassing and far as these motivations are intimidation and that voters media campaigns. George concerned, an interesting were instructed to abstain Mogorosi from AZAPO also development seems to be from voting (DFA, 2006: 6 arranged house-to-house unfolding. These motivations and Kwon Hoo, 2006:3). It campaigning. Flyers were and perceptions appear to was reported in the media distributed among voters and have a dual dimension and that just prior to the elections included information are centred around questions many residents in Kimberley regarding ward councillors. about the so-called did not know the identity of ‘sentimental’ or ‘ideological the candidates for their Farmers in the Northern vote’ on the one hand and particular ward. In general, Cape, when interviewed by the issue-based vote on the canvassing from political the media, indicated that other. The issue-based vote parties was practically non their commitment to vote is considered to be a more existent. Many residents said during the local government developed or sophisticated that not a single party had election (DFA, 2006: 8). One voting pattern. The approached them in their farmer reportedly said “if ‘sentimental’ vote is canvassing for support for you don’t vote it’s as good as emotional and linked to party
8 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 allegiance. This type of vote ideological factor in South the election to reach the played a major role in the African politics is slowly furthest districts in the 1994 elections and has been moving towards a focus on Northern Cape, such as Mata an important factor ever class inequality. While it can Mata and other voting since. This has been an issue be argued that class is also districts in the Kalahari’s for both the ruling party and ideological in nature, it can Siyanada municipality to also for the official be deduced that class in this ensure that voting stations opposition; the Democratic context is indicative of a open on time (Coetzee, Alliance and the now stronger issue-based 2006:1). disbanded New National consciousness among voters Party. The sophisticated of all sections of the Polling Stations issue-based vote is more population. objective and is based on There are 528657 registered informed analysis and Within the contemporary voters in the Northern Cape evaluation of the political environment, the with 621 voting stations, 12 performance of a party. This class-consciousness in poor independent candidates, 13 means that voters become communities is, for the most parties and 736 ward critical and can shift their part a vote for the ANC, but candidates. Most of the allegiance easily or this is not based on a residual independent candidates were consciously decide not to historical loyalty, but on the previously members of other vote. It was clearly indicated record of delivery over the political parties (DFA, by a voter turnout of past 12 years (Brown and 2006:4). 46%.This happened on a Mole, 2006:5). relatively alarming scale A typical polling station was during the 2006 elections At Noupoort voting station, a manned by the following and highlighted the voter’s group of approximately 70 IEC staff members, with the sensitivity to issues people carrying posters size of the staff component concerning service delivery protested in response to poor dependent on the size of the on a local government level service delivery. The IEC ward and the number of (iol:2006:1). responded by alerting the registered voters: police as it is illegal to • A presiding officer and The issue-based vote, which influence people not to vote. his/her deputy presiding concerns informed choices, The IEC pointed out another officer who ensured the is becoming prominent in legal issue, namely that the smooth management of a poor communities. protests had taken place polling station; According to Brown and outside the voting station’s • A queue walker was Mole (2006:5) “…every boundaries (Kwon Hoo, responsible for directing passing local government 2006:3). the traffic in the various election confirms that the queues leading to the politics of class is The Voting Process polling station; increasingly replacing race • A door controller as the major determining Justice Bekebeke, provincial controlled access to the factor in how communities head of the IEC, indicated polling station; understand their place in that the Northern Cape’s • A voters roll checker South Africa and how they electoral officers, voting ensured that voters’ vote”. stations and ballot papers names appear on the were ready in time for 1 voters roll; As South Africa moves March, the Election Day. • An inker was responsible towards a more non-racial Committed voting officers for inking the thumbs of society, race as a key left at midnight on the day of those who have voted;
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• A paper issuer issued community verbalised its occurred in a relaxed ballots to the prospective dissatisfaction that there peaceful atmosphere with voters; were not enough chairs everyone joining in make the • A voting-booth controller available to address the day a success. controlled access to needs of the elderly, a clearly voting booths; treasured section of this The former Premier of the • A ballot box controller community. After waiting Northern Cape, Manne ensured that ballots some time in the queue a Dipico, patriotically voted in actually landed in the voice announced from the his hometown, Kimberley, at ballot boxes; and row of voters that “the old Vooruitsig Junior School. He • A statistical officer was gentleman needs a chair. His was in a jovial mood and responsible for the legs are sore” (Van der socialised with friends such forwarding of all Merwe, 2006:2). In as ANC candidate Rita Levin statistical information to Platfontein, just outside outside the voting station the relevant MEO and Kimberley, most of the (Van der Merwe, 2006:1). voters waiting in the queue the PEO. In Warrenton a voting station were elderly. Cheeky, chirpy All of the polling stations chickens joined the security served as a gathering point monitored by the authors had service by patrolling the as it was situated in view of the above component of IEC voting stations and observing the flooded bridge which staff or some combination of the voting process. serves as an entry point into it. the town for Hartswater. Illiteracy was an enormous Residents were forced to Many eligible voters across problem at some voting take alternative routes to age, gender, and race stations. A presiding officer reach the polling station. identities braced the at the !Xunkhesa Combined This was a huge disruption inclement weather to cast School, Jomo Jonker, in for voters especially for their ballot. In Greenpoint, Platfontein expressed his those coming from the one of the oldest suburbs in frustrations by stating “…a surrounding rural areas by Kimberley, the elderly lot of people did not know means of donkey carts. gathered at the polling for which party to vote. We In Ritchie the oldest resident stations from the early hours had to explain to each voter of the Northern Cape, some at 4:30, waiting for the about all the parties that are Nompitizelo Makgwadibane, polling stations to open at on the ballot paper before at age 108 was eager to 7:00 so that they could cast they were able to vote” exercise the right to vote and their votes. The community (Modiba, 2006:4). A unique this time around the voting in Greenpoint was service was rendered in this station will be coming to her determined to vote and the area by the use of a house at 1850 Dikkop Street day was marked by long translating service for the (Coetzee, 2006:2). rows of people waiting to !Xun and the Khwe cast their ballots. Chairs communities. Mr Leonard Accredited party agents and were placed in front of the Dixon and Oscar Cambinda independent observers were row for the elderly and the patiently explained the allowed to keep an eye on disabled who enjoyed the voting process to voter’s in proceedings and requested to social gathering, chatting their home language. The make suggestions to improve away with fellow voters presiding officer spent a lot on the current operation of about life. The disabled were of time on voter education polling stations. In most forced to sit on cold cement and Election Day due to cases, IEC staff and party while waiting to vote due to illiteracy (Van der Merwe, agents worked well together, a lack of chairs. The 2006:2). This had all but there was, a few reported
10 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 incidences. A number of as the party gained 40 seats Diamond Fields Advertiser. 2006. parties laid complaints (74,7%) in the Sol Plaatje HSRC study suggest high voter turnout. 15 February, p.7. claiming that party posters Municipal elections in were either removed, Kimberley. The DA was Diamond Fields Advertiser. 2006. vandalised or destroyed. second with two seats which Farmers will not stay away. 28 There were also claims that reflected an 18.53% gain for Februrary, p. 8. followers were threatened them. The ID received two Diamond Fields Advertiser. 2006. and their grants and seats which translated into OSPD makes vote possible for subsidies taken away. 3,7%. AZAPO gained 1 seat disabled. 28 Februrary, p.6. Bekebeke from the IEC at 1,35% and the ACDP indicated that the only 1,85%. The Freedom Front Diamond Fields Advertiser. 2006. official complaint received Plus scored 0,83%, the We don’t know who our candidates are. 22 Februrary, p. 2. concerned intimidation from Inkatha Freedom Party various supporters. The IEC 0.29%, the Federation of Diamond Fields Advertiser. 2006. held talks with the political Democrats 3.25% and the Our own polls. 28 February, p.3. parties to make sure that UIF 0.25% of the vote voters cast their ballot (Kwon Hoo, 2006:2). Diamond Fields Advertiser. 2006. SA on its way to overcome without intimidating voters. patriarchy and chauvinism. 28 Political parties were also The following table depicts Februrary, p.4. asked to inform the police if the leading parties that won rallies were to be held (DFA, Diamond Fields Advertiser. 2006. seats during the 2006 local N Cape ready for safe election- 2006:4) government election (DFA, IEC. 28 Februrary, p.4. Local observers reported that 2006:3): Diamond Fields Advertiser. 2006. on the whole, the IEC staff SEATS SEATS PARTY PARTY ACDP takes on SABC. 2 March, managed voting stations WON WON p.5. ANC 225 AZAPO 2 effectively and efficiently. DA 52 ACDP 2 There were, however, some TASK Diamond Fields Advertiser. 2006. ID 38 2 reports of people casting TEAM Quiet day at the city polls. 2 INDEPE- UCDP 3 1 March, p.6. their votes and not leaving NDENTS the polling stations Diamond Fields Advertiser. 2006. immediately resulting in The result of the 2006 Leaders of the province. 3 March, cases where there was more election in the Northern p.3. than one person behind a Cape will be discussed at Joubert, J.J. 2006. Blapse en polling-booth at a given greater lengths in the third Vloedwater skrik die kiesers nie time. issue of the Election Update. af. Beeld. 2 March, p.1.
A suggestion was also made Kwon Hoo, S. 2006. NC almost in by observers to position References poll position. Diamond Fields polling booths in such a way Advertiser. 6 March, p.3. as to ensure secrecy of the Brown and Mole 2006:5 Business Day 2 March, p. 5. Modiba, I. 2006. Iliteracy a ballot. On the whole, in most problem. Diamond Fields parts of the Northern Cape, Coetzee, G. 2006. VF Plus in NK Advertiser. 2 March, p. 4. observers, party agents and ‘neem as nis-party deel’ . Die voters were satisfied with the Volksblad. 16 January, p. 1. Modiba, I. 2006. Premier Peters availability and handling of and daughter go to polls together. Coetzee, G. 2006. VS en NK Diamond Fields Advertiser, 2 election materials. gereed om te stem . Die Volksblad. March, p. 5.
1 March, p. 1. Counting and Results Modiba, I. 2006.Power cuts send
Coetzee, F. 2006. Oudste inwoner chaos through NC, W Cape. In the Northern Cape, the in NK stem . Die Volksblad. 1 Diamond Fields Advertiser, 2 ANC scored a large victory March, p. 2. March, p. 5.
11 election update 2006 South Africa number 2
Orania se verkiesing strek wyd. A sample size of 50% was their votes. According to the 2006. Internet. drawn from the 6 electoral MEO, “voting in local http://www.orania.co.za/media.asp ?id=34.…Acessed on 20 February regions of the Western Cape. government serves a 2006 Though every effort was purpose”, but in his view made to conduct “many people do not pRamoroka, K. 2006. ANC interviewees with both the appreciate the significance of confident of victory. Diamond Municipal Electoral Officers their vote”. Fields Advertiser, 28 February, p. (MEOs) and Electoral 4. project co-ordinators (EPCs) Boland Wine District Van der Merwe, H. 2006. Raad in the Boland Wine District In the Stellenbosch area, the geldelik in knyp. Noordkaap. 1 and the Eden Electoral voters were rather indifferent March:p.1. Region this was not possible. to voting as only 48% of the Even so, in both instances electorate cast their vote. Van der Merwe, H. 2006. Honde two EPCs were selected for This is of particular concern en hoenders…almal was daar. Die Volksblad. 1 March:p.2. interviewees to ensure a as Stellenbosch is primarily a reasonably broad spectrum university town, where the of views and opinions. youth, as elsewhere in the WESTERN CAPE province appear to be rather Voting patterns in the nonchalant towards voting. Professor John Williams Electoral Regions Comments the EPC, “It University of the Western would appear that people Cape (UWC) Cape Town Metropolitan can’t actually see the fact Region that they are moving Of the 1,4 million registered forward. The youth appear Methodology voters, approximately 50% to be totally caught up in cast their vote. In cases their own daily priorities. This second issue of the where people experienced They simply can’t see the Election Update covering the transport problems, they bigger picture and why Western Cape is based on depended on parties for voting is so important for the the interviews conducted assistance to get to voting country and its future” with, Mr Courtney Sampson, stations. This was the case in Electoral Officer of the rural Durbanville, Cape Overberg District Province [EOP] of the Town. According to the Here the MEO for Western Cape, as well as MEO “there were no long Theewaterskloof made it various Municipal Electoral queues in Cape Town and quite clear that the three Officers (MEOs) and people thus were generally ballots “were quite confusing electoral project co- happy with the voting to voters. In his words: ordinators (EPCs) in the 6 process ”. “Voters did not understand electoral regions of the them. Most voters were Western Cape. While a West Coast District under the impression that personal interview of about Here the MEO indicated that once they have voted for one 60 minutes was conducted he “did no think that the candidate it was sufficient. with the EOP, the rest of the people understood the three They simply did not see the interviewees had to respond ballot papers. It was quite need to cast additional two to telephonic questions based confusing. This perhaps votes. I think this voting on issues that related to: explains why there were so process must be simplified”. polling stations, secrecy of many spoilt ballots, even the ballot, the voting process, though less than 1% of the A distinguishing feature of citizen participation, voting ballots were spoilt ones. 58% the voting trends in this behaviour and vote counting. of the registered voters cast region, according to the
12 election update 2006 South Africa number 2
MEO was that “adults were paraffin lamps to ensure that This is quite confusing to the eager to vote, whereas the there were no hiccups with elderly, illiterate and blind!” youth were rather the electricity outages and indifferent”. In his view, this after a 29-hour working day According to EPC for is perhaps due to the fact that under these circumstances, I Mossel Bay, the citizens “youth believe that their was quite exhausted!”. In the were “quite happy to vote as concerns, like recreational view of this EPC “citizen borne out by the number of facilities and employment apathy towards voting is people who voted; 56% of are not taken seriously [once because of the floor- the people voted ! ” Councils resume their crossing. Why bother to vote work]”. when your chosen candidate Central Karoo Region can switch to another party According to the EPC of In the case of Bredasdorp, by the mere drop of a hat!” Prince Albert, people were according to the EPC the The EPC also added that the very excited about voting. In farm-workers were assertive apathy could perhaps be his view, citizens were quite about their right to vote. In attributed to a lack of voter well informed about their his words “this boldness to education. In her words choices and the voting express an opinion on “Eden District is simply too process as a whole, thanks to political rights contrasts big for one NGO to cover. the educative work of the sharply with a situation in The IEC only contracted one South African Council of the 1990s when farmworkers NGO to do voter education Churches who conducted did not have the courage to within a very limited voter education on behalf of express their views publicly period!” the IEC. and often were subject to the wishes of their employers. In the case of Bitou, the EPC The EPC indicated that their This means that in the past comments “Here the youth consciousness-raising motto farmers often decided for were very excited to vote as was “To be part of your whom their workers had to a youth stood as a candidate. country, you must vote! To vote. This is clearly no This excitement caused some vote, you must first longer the case!”In the case tension. We were called to register!” In his view, this of Bredasdorp, 64% of the defuse the situation. Even so, message was understood, citizens voted, amongst the what this tells me is: let the translating into a voting poll highest voting polls in the youth stand for election, and of 72% for Prince Albert in Western Cape. you get them involved! Here 2006 in comparison with a in Bitou the youth were voting rate of 67% in 2000! Eden District clearly not apathetic!” People were not happy to The EPC of Beaufort West travel up to 5km to reach he The MEO of Oudtshoorn pointed out that farming voting station. This is a expressed concern over the communities are fairly problem of voting district secrecy of the ballot dispersed and citizens had to demarcation. In comparison especially in relation to the travel long distances to vote. with voting trends elsewhere blind and illiterate. In his Some farms are 92 in the Western Cape, in words “How secret can you kilometres from Beaufort Knysna, a young election ballot be when the names West. In the case of ward 6 candidate attracted of up to must be read out in public more than 500 people had to 60% to the total votes. In and others can hear your be accommodated after George more than 54% of choice? Surely this 19:00 as they were within the registered voters cast comprises the principle of the boundary of the ballot their vote. Comments the secrecy of the ballot! And station. In his view “despite EPC “In George we had then there are three ballots! these problems people were
13 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 clearly excited to vote. 57% MEOs and EPCs the in such a way that no one of the citizens of Beaufort following conclusions are was able to see how voters West voted!” drawn with regard to polling were marking their ballot stations, secrecy of the papers. There were clear Political Tensions ballot, voting process citizen procedures for the provision participation, voting of necessary assistance to In the Western Cape, there behaviour and vote counting: disabled, illiterate and was an apparent shift in the elderly voters that protect, as voting patterns since 2000. Polling Stations far as possible, their right to In 2006, the ANC obtained vote secretly. 37,9% of the vote, the DA It has generally been agreed 41,85%, the ID 10,75% and that the location of polling The Voting Process other parties received 9,49% stations plays an important of the vote. In 2000, these role in ensuring easy access Election material was parties obtained the to the process. The selection procured in a transparent following proportions: the of polling stations was manner. Ballot papers were ANC 37,7%, the DA 52,3%, usually based on a number of designed so they could be the ID 1,4% and other parties factors such as the number of easily understood by voters. obtained 8,52%. voters per station, the Ballot boxes and ballot
proximity of the station to papers were stored and In 2006, in Cape Town the voters, adequacy of lighting delivered under strict DA won 90 seats in the 210- and communications, security in order to prevent member council, the ANC transport and other logistical electoral fraud. According to 81 and the ID 2. Since the considerations. The election Courtney Sampson, elections of March 2006, materials were accessible to Provincial Electoral Officer there has been a precarious disadvantaged voters such as of the Western Cape [PEO], coalition government under the blind and the deaf. the elections in the Province the executive leadership of Polling stations were situated of the Western Cape went Mayor Helen Zille. The in venues that were very well, even though it was position of the former CEO accessible to most voters, only the second set of of Cape Town, Wallace especially the elderly and the elections at local government Mgoqi will be decided in the people with disabilities. An level in terms of the South Cape High Court on 09 May adequate number of polling African Constitution, Act 2006. In the meanwhile, the stations were available 108 of 1996, and the third tension between the ID and ensuring easier access, since 1994. DA continues with MEC for minimum waiting time and Local Government and efficiency of the voting Voting Behaviour Housing of the Province of process. the Western Cape, In some areas such as the apparently threatening to Koue Bokkeveld, voters dissolve the current City Secrecy of the Ballot were totally dependent on Council in terms of Section farmers at least for two 139 of the Constitution and Throughout the Western reasons. to appoint an Administrator Cape, the ballot was secret • First, farmers have to to run the City till the next This means that there were grant politicians the elections (cf Mail & little reason for suspicion, right to visit their farms Guardian, 21 April to 27 mistrust, political violence, to campaign for the April 2006, p 2). intimidation and fear of votes of farm-workers political retribution and (and farmers); According to the interviews victimisation voters. The • Second, being conducted with the PEO, voting stations were laid out harvesting time, they
14 election update 2006 South Africa number 2
have to give their volunteered their services for NORTH-WEST workers time to cast free to the IEC; on the their vote. In the words contrary, they wanted to be Professor Melville Mbao of the PEO, paid for their services. and Professor Bornwell “Unfortunately there are Chikulo instances where farmers Counting University of North-West do not co-operate in this Mafikeng Campus regard. In these Procedures for counting instances, since we have Polling Stations a good working were known to election officials, party agents, relationship with Agri- It is a universally accepted Weskaap [the farmers’ observers and any other authorised persons who were fact that the geographical Union] we often depend location of polling stations on them to resolve such permitted to be present during the count. plays a critical role in tension”. facilitating easy access to the
The PEO indicated through electoral process. The The counting process took number of polling stations the past few years a healthy place in the polling stations relationship of trust has established depended on the immediately after the close number of registered voters developed between Agri- of voting. To ensure that Weskaap, the SAPS and the in each voting district. Urban voting stations could voting districts contain some Independent Electoral function effectively, they had Commission [IEC].. In the 3,000 voters located within a adequate lighting, radius of some 7.5 km of the view of the PEO, MEOs and communication systems and EPCs there were various voting station. Rural voting security. Counting staff had districts, on the other hand, factors that impact on voting been given effective training. behaviour of citizens, accommodate some 1200 including: voters located within a radius of some 10km of the voting • Voter education When the counting process was completed the results station. Each voting district • The co-operative and were immediately announced is served by one station only. strategic role of the and posted at the counting SAPS station. Most MEOs and To this end voters are • Population density in EPCs worked more than 24 required to register to vote at urban areas density and hours to ensure the adequate the polling station that small geographical provision of ballot stations, services their voting district space ensuring the secrecy of the Voting districts have been • Tension-ridden nature of ballots, facilitating the voting delimited in such a way so as political campaigning process and verifying or to minimise voter • Lack of public debate in reconciling number of votes inconvenience – i.e., voters media cast. having to stand in long • The role of municipal queues at voting stations – field co-ordinators and to assist the IEC in (MFCs) electoral planning.
In view of the prevailing, In the 2000 municipal adverse and difficult elections polling stations economic circumstances of totalled 1,026 in the unemployment and poverty province. This was increased in which many citizens find to 1,488 polling stations in themselves, very few people 2005. This represents an
15 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 additional 462 polling assured that their vote will illiterate voters. The stations. Of these, 121 were be secret. Municipal Electoral Act of temporary tent stations and 6 2000, the municipal were mobile stations. The Under the Schedule 2 of the Electoral Regulations of increase in polling stations Municipal Electoral Act, 2000 and the Amendment to substantially improved voter 2000, the IEC prescribes the the Municipal Electoral access to polling stations, Electoral Code of Conduct, regulations of 2005 and reduced the time voters as well as prohibited conduct stipulates that: needed to wait in the queues that applies to municipal before casting their ballots. elections. A Voter with a physical disability (e.g. a blind voter) Owing to their accessibility, With specific regard to may request assistance from most of the polling stations Infringement of Secrecy, it a companion in marking the were situated at schools, is stated that: ballot papers. The presiding community halls and other 70. (1) No person may officer can only allow this if municipal buildings. The interfere with a voter’s right the voter specifically increase in polling stations to secrecy when casting requests assistance from that did have some noticeable a vote. person and if the presiding impact on queuing times. (2) Except as permitted in officer is satisfied that the Furthermore, these elections terms of this Act, no person person giving assistance is at being the third since the may- least 18 years old and not a introduction of the new (a) disclose any information party agent or candidate. democratic dispensation, the about voting or the counting reduction in queuing time of votes; or (b) open any The presiding officer must could also be attributed to ballot box or container remind the companion not to the familiarity of the sealed in terms of this Act, compromise the secrecy of electoral officials and the or break its seal. The voting the vote cast by the voter. electorate with the voting stations were laid out in such procedure. a manner that no one could A voter who is unable to see how voters were marking read In the 2006 local government their ballot papers. The IEC In the case of a voter who is elections, there was no specifications were followed illiterate and is unable to provision made for the to the letter in all the polling read and requests for special votes which has stations. In general, most if assistance in voting, the become a special feature of not all party agents and party presiding officer must assist the national and provincial supporters seemed to be the voter in the presence of elections. confident that the lay out of the following witnesses, if the polling stations ensured available: two Party agents the secrecy of the ballot. appointed by different Secrecy of the Ballot Consequently, the IEC did parties or Candidates; and not receive reports of one person appointed by an The credibility and attempts to undermine the accredited observer. legitimacy of any election secrecy of the ballot at any rests on the secrecy of the of the polling stations in the Where such witnesses are ballot. Universally, in order province. not available, the assistance to avoid mistrust, suspicion, can be rendered in their political intimidation and Furthermore, arrangements absence. The presiding fear of political retribution were made for the provision officer must remind the and victimisation, the of the necessary assistance to witnesses not to compromise electorate needs to be the elderly, disabled and the secrecy of the vote cast
16 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 by the voter. The secrecy of then place the ballots in the After voting was completed, the ballot was not questioned ballot box which was placed the boxes had to be sealed in in the province. in an open space. the presence of party agents and independent observers. The Voting Process All polling stations were In most polling stations party manned by the following agents, observers and IEC The effective functioning of IEC staff members, with the staff worked very well the voting station depends on staff complement depending together. a number of key issues, most on the size of the ward and importantly that electoral the number of registered Vote counting Procedure material is delivered is voters: delivered on time and the • A presiding officer and The counting of votes stations are opened on time deputy presiding officer (“result capturing process”) at 07.00. On election day ensured smooth was decentralised to the almost all stations opened operations of a polling polling stations. The promptly between 07:00 and station. presiding officer of a voting 19:00 The IEC was generally • A queue walker was station also served as the satisfied with the voting responsible for directing counting officer at the start process but acknowledged traffic in the various of the counting process. some minor logistical queues leading to the Once the voting was problems in Taung which polling station. declared over, the ballot resulted in some polling • A door controller boxes were sealed ahead of stations opening late but still controlled access to the counting and the venue re- managed to close on time at polling station. arranged. All ballots were 19:00 - the official closing • A voter’s roll checker verified: the numbers of time. The explanation for ensured that voters’ ballots issued were this was that a main bridge names appear on the compared with the number connecting some polling voter’s roll. of ballots counted. stations from the town centre • An inker was had been washed away by responsible for inking Thereafter, all the ballot heavy rains. In consequence, the thumbs of those who papers were scrutinised to staff and voting material had had voted. ascertain whether any of to be flown in by a SANDF • A paper issuer issued them had to be rejected as helicopter. ballots to prospective spoilt ballot papers. The voters. spoilt ballots were filed The Voting Procedure • A voting booth separately. The remaining controller controlled papers were sorted out The voting officers have access to voting booths. according to the candidate/ been given a critical role in • A ballot box controller party voted for. After the ensuring that voters cast their ensured that ballots final counting, the votes vote in secret, freely and actually landed in the were tallied and entered onto fairly. A simple routine was ballot boxes. a results form and the results followed: voters presented • A statistical officer was determined. The party agents their identity documents for responsible for added their signatures to the checking against the voter’s forwarding of all results form. After the roll; the left thumb was statistical information to counting, the results were marked with indelible ink the relevant municipal announced and posted at and voters were issued ballot electoral officer (MEO) each polling station. papers. Voters mark the and provincial electoral Thereafter, the ballot boxes ballot papers in a booth and officer (PEO). and other voting materials
17 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 were packed and sealed for smoothly and the general popular mandate from 71.35 transportation to the atmosphere at polling percent in the 2000 polls to municipal electoral officer stations was excellent. 76.57 percent this year. Thus (MEO) who double captured the ANC received the the results on the electronic Citizen Participation highest number of votes in system. If the results the province, followed by the matched, the auditor entered Despite the anger against DA with 8.60 percent, the the auditor’s code and slow service delivery, the United Christian Democratic submitted the results. The voter turnout for the 20006 Party with 6.77 percent, and auditors’ report was signed poll was a resounding the Vryheidsfront Plus and faxed to the provincial endorsement for the ANC with1.22 percent. The IEC operations centre at the government. From a total of independent candidates only SABC Exhibition Hall in 1, 554,864 registered voters managed to garner only1.06 Mmabatho. The counting in the province, 45.63 percent. All the other process was witnessed by percent turned out to cast remaining parties scored less party agents, observers and their vote. This means that than 1 percent of the total other authorised individuals. more voters turned to cast votes cast. their vote than during the Although the electoral staff previous municipal poll in Thus, despite the widespread was well trained, a number 2000 – a 0.86 percent in dissatisfaction with the rate of mistakes and problems voter turnout compared to of service delivery, and cropped up during the voting the 2000 local government disaffection over cross- process, which indicated a poll. It is difficult to pinpoint border boundaries, the ANC pressing need to improve the the reasons for the low voter saw a 5.22 percent increase training process. For turnout. One of the reasons, in voter support in the 2006 example, at some polling although figures are not yet poll The electorate stations there was a mix-up available from the IEC, overwhelmingly voted for of ballot papers; some could be that youth the ANC. Consequently, the electoral officers prevented participation was extremely ANC not only won the voters from casting their low through out the popular vote but also the votes because they wore education strategy seemingly majority of municipalities in party colours; slow concentrated on getting the province. In Khutsong, processing of residents to register and turn the voters who did not turn documentation; and late out to vote, but neglected the up at the polling stations to starting times. This indicates aspect of imparting cast their ballots did so that more training is required knowledge to the voters consciously in order to for presiding officers and around the correct marking register their anger. voting officers on how to on the three ballot papers. Consequently, the manage voting stations and Many people still require community boycotted the handle voting material. education on how to mark poll en mass in protest Needless to point out that and cast their ballot papers. against being incorporated this incidence did not impact into the North West on the legitimacy of the Voting Behaviour Province. The almost total elections in the province. boycott of the elections The 2006 municipal demonstrates that the At all the polling stations, elections saw voters not only communities have learnt to the voters displayed a high returning the ANC to power appreciate the power of the level of tolerance, patience in the majority of local vote and used it to mobilise and peace. To sum up, the authorities in the province, against unpopular election process went but it also increased its government decisions. The
18 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 boycott signals that the The ANC’s campaign already on the queue at the community, which in the strategy of focusing on poor gates of voting stations previous local elections in service delivery, the especially in towns. 2000 gave the ruling party corruption of councillors and Elections materials to be 76% of the vote, is not administrators and lack of used on the day of the prepared to give the ANC a capacity, occupied the space election were delivered to all blank cheque to do as it that was supposed to be the voting stations by ward wishes. Yet interestingly, preserve of the opposition managers long before even in the face of parties. opening of the voting unprecedented anger in this stations. Some materials traditionally ANC- Conclusion were given to presiding dominated and voting officers a day before the community, the few voters This report deals with the elections. All polling stations who made it to the polling actual election phase. Every had SAPS personnel to stations overwhelmingly stage of this phase went declare the voting station voted for the ANC - due to fairly smoothly. The IEC, safe before opening of the strong party identification therefore, achieved its voting station and also to with ANC. overall goal of effectively assist the presiding officer implementing a successful when requested to do so. This is one instance of the election. However, there are demonstration of “identity areas that still need attention. Young people were not very politics”. As Business Day As the PEO readily visible during the early Leader aptly observed: “For acknowledged, there are stages of voting. Voting these people, even anger many challenges that came stations that were in towns against the ruling party is to light during the electoral had tables for ANC and DA not enough to persuade them process that need urgent political organisations. There to cast a ballot for another attention in order to ensure were party agents who organization. They would flawless elections in future. assisted all people who were rather stay at home than Amongst the many coming to cast their votes. switch allegiance, which challenges is the need to The party agents came from points to a failure by improve on the training and different political opposition parties to make skills levels of electoral staff organisations. any real inroads”(“sobering manning polling station, as victory”, 6 March, 2006:10). well as training voters on the The party agents in one of actual voting procedures. the school visited by the As noted in the first issue of author indicated that VF was the Election Update, all the MPUMALANGA also participating but they parties including the ruling left shortly thereafter. The party had the same campaign Priscilla Shongwe voting station comprised theme of service delivery, South African Human Rights mainly white adults. The corruption and turning Commission (SAHRC) voting station opened on around the performance of time. The number of voting municipalities.The Polling Stations stations has increased opposition parties sought to compared to 1994 elections exploit the anger at the slow Mpumalanga Province due to new settlements in the pace of delivery, corruption managed elections in 1355 province. In one of the wards and the general voting stations. All voting in Kanyamazane location, mismanagement of local stations opened on time at there were eight officials authorities in traditionally 07H00 in the morning. In from the IEC. The area was ANC–voting communities. some areas people were well marked with directional
19 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 arrows which were placed in ballot. The IEC staff were here. When I walked into the order to indicate the very polite and assisted the hall, I covered it”. direction to the entrance of voters in all possible ways. the voting station. A number Members of the public are of people participated. Many Ward 19 permitted to vote wearing people complained of There were eight officials. anything that may or may tiredness due to standing for Arrows indicating the not affiliate them with a long hours. The voting sequence of the voting party. However no public process in this area was very process were highly visible. demonstrations are permitted slow. The election staff Not many people came to within the IEC boundaries. assisted those who could not participate in the voting see properly to mark their process There was confusion over crosses. The ballot papers boundaries at Fet College were not coloured. Only one The voting process was where a member of the DA police official was visible in smooth. The IEC officials laid a formal complaint after the polling station. The had structured the voting both the DA and ANC tables situation was not conducive booths in a manner that were moved to the far end of for elderly people. The guaranteed secrecy of the the parking lot. Mr Tom voting station district ballot. There were two police Sikonela, assistant municipal number is 54790241. officials at this polling electoral officer at the IEC station. had diffuse the situation by Ward 18 redrawing the boundaries, Approximately eight election Mpumalanga News Date 2 allowing both parties to staff helped those voting in March 2006 reported that, move closer to the hall the area. It was easy and section 40 of the Municipal entrance. quick to vote since there electoral Act 27 of 2000 were not many people states, “No party agent or Mr Sikonela described the voting. The officials gave candidate may within the situation as a logistical good service and were easy boundary of a voting station problem and reiterated the to talk to. There were about display or distribute any Commission’s stern rule that three ballot booths and the billboard, poster, placard or access to voting stations voting process was pamphlet; wear, carry or should not be disturbed. conducted in secrecy. display any clothing, Everyone was treated with headgear, footwear or other Secrecy of the Ballot dignity, even the old people. apparel in such a manner The voting process went that any writing, picture or Voting booths were arranged very well. Only one police sign thereon relating to any in all of the voting stations to official was visible in the party or candidate, other ensure secrecy of the ballot.. area. There were 18 IEC than the prescribed Presiding officers assisted officials assisting with the identification tag, is visible.” those who took too long; if election processes and Voters at both Laerskool the voter asked for assistance procedures. They placed Laeveld, as well as the local in marking the ballot paper; arrows indicating the Fet College voting stations, or if a person claimed that he direction to the voting voiced their concern when or she has spoilt the ballot entrance. When the author they saw a member of DA paper by accident. visited the voting station she wearing a party T- shirt. The was informed that the other DA member was violating The Voting Process police official had gone to the Act, the member assist at another voting explained that she was a The voting process was the station. There were six ballot candidate and she was on the same throughout. It was booths to ensure that a secret PR list. “I am permitted to be smooth in most areas. All
20 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 voting stations had queue not want to vote for a showed if she had voted walkers who were councillor because they do before. She was very sad. responsible for checking not respect them and they are Steve Ngwenya, provincial validity of identity not doing anything for them. electoral officer said, “We as documents and ensured that the IEC can only urge people an individual s coming to At Msogwaba, one of the to come and vote.” He added cast his/her vote had not areas with a highest rate of that it would pose serious voted before. A voter would crime in Mpumalanga, its problems if voters seen then proceed to the zip-zap voting stations each had one wearing party affiliated T- machines, which would print SAPS official. Captain shirts were transported in out a docket as a proof that Sikonde indicated the he was IEC marked vehicles. the voter had been duly monitoring all the stations at registered. Efficient usage of Kanyamazane and Voting Behaviour machines assisted in the Msogwaba, He promised that smooth running of queue some officers would be A happy voter at the Fet Voters who required shifted from Kanyamazane voting station described how assistance were the elderly to Msogwaba to assist at the it felt asking his mark. “It and those who could not see stations where there was went smoothly the people properly. only one police officer on inside are friendly and it duty. helped a lot. I do however; At St John’s polling station feel that the older people at Msogwaba, IEC officials Citizen Participation should have some seats refused journalists entrance available for them to sit, and despite producing their People voted even though some water. It gets humid. media cards. The officials they have been described as Its fine now, but for when it allegedly told them they did being complacent. Concerns gets busy. In terms of the not allow strangers to enter were raised by voters about way things are here in the voting station. They also people seen working at Nelspruit, I give them 10/10. informed them that no filling stations as well as I’m happy. Where service photographs could be taken security guards on duty at delivery is concerned, without their permission but various work stations. everyone will battle it out a journalist defied them and with the municipality,” he took pictures. A certain lady who was said”.
voting for the first time was A cross-section of comments At Msogwaba Primary very excited about doing so, follow: one person said that school, the queue was very even though she had to go to he hoped a lot of people long but party agents another voting station. She would come and vote so that indicated everything was indicated that she was voting their councilors will be able going smoothly. At because it is worth it and she to assist them with all Mbokodo Primary School could see the changes that challenges. Another elderly people were furious her political party had been gentleman hoped his party that they were forced to wait promising in its manifesto. would win a certain ward so in the long queue, while on that development could previous occasions there A domestic worker was very continue as it has been. He were two separate lines. disappointed when she was felt that things were well told that she could not vote organised in his voting An old lady said that she at Fet College. She was station. wanted to vote for Mr originally from Nelson Mandela and she was Hammanskraal and she did The MEC for safety and prepared to vote but she did not have a bar code that security, Ms Dina Pule was
21 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 among many who woke up their votes at the local high dominance of the African early to visit voting stations school. The ANC members National Congress (ANC) in around the area. She was were standing outside and the province. Following the concerned about the weather police officers approached ANC’s ascendance to power since rain was promising to them and instructed them to in KwaZulu-Natal in the come on the voting day. She move away from the 2004 provincial elections it indicated that she was premises, which they did. took 46.60% of the vote and positive about the turnout, The process went well and 742 seats in the local but the rain was going to the party agents said no other government elections in the pose a challenge because incidents were reported. province. The Inkatha some people don’t have Freedom Party (IFP), transport and have to walk to KWAZULU-NATAL following its descent in the voting stations. provincial elections, took Shauna Mottiar 38.48% of the vote and 713 At LEHAWU party agents Centre for Policy Studies seats in the local government were not happy about a elections. The results are group of ANC members who Election Results depicted in the table below. came to the voting station wearing ANC T-shirts, The 2006 local government whilst people were casting elections results sealed the
Party Ward PR DMA DC Total Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % ACDP 18389 0.951 19464 1.007 - - 8035 0.603 45888 0.882 ANC 906349 46.857 933057 48.286 379 46.560 583566 43.768 2423351 46.596 AZAPO 1978 0.102 2205 0.114 - - 673 0.050 4856 0.093 DA 176504 9.125 180940 9.364 - - 80360 6.027 437804 8.418 ECO 729 0.038 1156 0.060 - - - - 1885 0.036 ID 5873 0.304 6862 0.355 - - 1874 0.141 14609 0.281 IHSP 13 0.001 165 0.009 - - - - 178 0.003 IFP 687965 35.576 689300 35.671 435 53.440 623484 46.762 2001184 38.479 ILP 168 0.009 ------168 0.003 MF 42255 2.185 42530 2.201 - - - - 84785 1.630 NADECO 28541 1.476 30477 1.577 - - 23217 1.741 82235 1.581 NUPO 1007 0.052 722 0.037 - - - - 1729 0.033 PACA 2467 0.128 3196 0.165 - - - - 8878 0.171 PDP 3 0.000 119 0.006 - - - - 122 0.002 RLP 1544 0.080 1730 0.090 - - - - 3274 0.063 SCP 1948 0.101 2047 0.106 - - - - 3995 0.077 SPA 361 0.019 1127 0.058 - - - - 1488 0.029 TA 4239 0.219 4193 0.217 - - - - 8432 0.162 ULIRA 875 0.045 1226 0.063 - - - - 2101 0.040 UCDP 264 0.014 1339 0.069 - - - - 1603 0.031 UDM 4601 0.238 4838 0.250 - - 4523 0.339 13962 0.268 UIF 440 0.023 2361 0.122 - - - - 2801 0.054 VP 2669 0.138 3318 0.172 - - 4373 0.328 10360 0.199
Of the 61 local ANC with just 10.Four local IFP also failed to gain back municipalities, the ANC won municipalities, uMhlathuze, any of the municipalities it 32 and the IFP 28. This was Newcastle, Utrecht and lost to the ANC during the in dire contrast with the 2000 Ndwedwe did not have a 2004 floor crossing period. local government elections clear majority and the The ANC secured the Ugu where the IFP won 51 Amajuba district district municipality (south municipalities leaving the municipality was hung. The coast) with 9 seats to the
22 election update 2006 South Africa number 2
IFP’s 4, the Endumeni elections, it won 117 seats to impacting on the IFP’s municipality (Dundee) with the IFP’s 23. performance in the elections, 6 seats to the IFP’s 4, the according to Buthelezi, was Ubuhlebezwe municipality eThekweni Seat Allocation the lack of funds. He claimed (Ixopo) with 16 seats to the ACDP 3 that the business community, IFP’s 5 and the KwaSani ANC 117 formerly an ally, had AZAPO 1 municipality (Underberg) DA 34 deserted the IFP “I can tell with 3 seats to the IFP’s ID 2 you that not one business has 1.The ANC also secured IFP 23 given us money in this ward 40 comprising MF 13 election.” As a result the Kwamashu hostels a former NADECO 2 party had to “go to banks to IFP stronghold. The IFP is SCP 1 get money for still however dominant in the TA 1 campaigning.”1 The IFP has UDM 1 Ezinqoloni municipality Independent Candidates 1 also been faced with an which is in the Ugu district. t internal crisis. Younger, is also dominant in the Seat Allocation for KZN more progressive members Uthukela district (northern ANC 742 of the party have argued that Berg) and the Umzinyathi, IFP 713 the IFP is antiquated in its (Greytown) Zululand, DA 124 focus on the Zulu heartland Umkhanyakude (St Lucia) NADECO 24 and traditional ways of life. MF 19 and Uthungulu (Greater ACDP 11 Bolder objectors have argued Richards Bay) districts. VF 3 that the party is Although the IFP seems to UDM 3 undemocratic in its ways and have remained fairly ID 3 that Buthelezi is dictatorial. dominant in its rural TA 2 The IFP’s poor showing in strongholds, having won all Independent Candidates 2 the 2006 elections prompted 24 wards in Ulundi and all Total Seats 1835 its critics to blame party 19 in Nongoma, it is clear leadership and Buthelezi in that the ANC has The IFP has attributed its particular, for the demise of consolidated the inroads it poor showing in the 2006 the IFP. In response to this, made into KwaZulu-Natal elections to a number of Buthelezi scheduled a one rural areas in the provincial factors. IFP leader, day national party elections. Mangosuthu Buthelezi conference in Durban on 8 complained that the political April. The conference will Independent Candidates playing field was not level. give IFP members an Ward Total He contended that the opportunity to express their Votes % Votes % elections were not free and views on current party 45088 2.331 45088 0.867 fair because outsiders were Results for KwaZulu-Natal 2006 leadership and the election bussed into Ulundi to vote, results.2 Local Government Elections ANC officials had been Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) found entering polling The IFP has also been www.elections.org.za stations with filled ballot weakened by the challenges papers and IEC stamps in posed to it by splinter party The ANC also strengthened Zululand municipalities and the National Democratic its hold on KwaZulu-Natal’s IFP candidates were absent Convention (NADECO). Durban metropolitan from ballot papers in Although NADECO secured eThekweni. In the 2000 local Durban, Pietermartizburg only less than 2% of the government elections, the and Masinga. Buthelezi vote, in KwaZulu-Natal it ANC won 95 of the 200 added that the IEC had been seats in the council to the unresponsive to IFP 1 Sunday Times, 5 March 2006 IFP’s 35. In the 2006 complaints. Another factor 2 Mercury, 7 March 2006
23 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 won 24 seats in the province, DA area of Berea.4 The DA people drove up to the group 2 of which were in the emerged quite strongly in the she was in and nearly ran eThekweni council and made Msunduzi municipality them over. An ANC ward inroads into traditional IFP (Pietermaritzburg) winning councillor, Mbabazane strongholds such as 12 seats to the ANC’s 48, the Ndlovu was physically Newcastle and Richards Bay. IFP’s 11 and the MF’s 1. assaulted by IFP supporters This resulted in NADECO but managed to escape with being positioned to align The MF won 1.63% of the some neck injuries. Initial with the ANC in five vote and 19 seats in the reports were that police had municipalities where the province. It also won 13 to use rubber bullets and tear ANC did not gain a clear seats in the eThekweni gas to disperse the crowd but majority. NADECO leader, council. The MF won all 4 of this was later officially Ziba Jiyane articulated his the mainly Indian occupied denied by the SAPS in the party’s preference to align wards in Phoenix and 4 of area.6 The eruption of with the ANC when he said, the 5 wards in Chatsworth. violence led to a drive by the “The core vision set out by national Minister of Safety NADECO coincides with the The MF’s main opposition in and Security and the values of the ANC. The IFP Phoenix was the DA who Kwazulu-Natal Minister of is rapidly dying, we don’t came in second. Its main Safety and Security to ensure want to be like a Zulu opposition in Chatsworth safe, incident free elections. maiden who takes a long however, was the ANC The two ministers met with time to say yes.”3 whose support in the area is police chiefs and political said to have increased by leaders in Wembezi, the Other opposition within the 20% securing its first ward Estcourt area and Ulundi and province included the in a historically Indian area extra contingents of police Democratic Alliance (DA) of the province.5 were deployed to Wembezi, and the Minority Front (MF). Ulundi, Msinga and The DA won 8.42% of the Election-Related Violence Nongoma.7 vote and 124 seats in and Intimidation KwaZulu-Natal as well as 34 The IFP concentrated its seats in the eThekweni Last minute campaigning by final campaigning in council. It effectively lost 5 political parties in KwaZulu- Vryheid with a political rally wards to the ANC but Natal gave way to an lashing out at local blamed the council’s eruption of violence. On the government MEC, Mike redemarcation for this Monday preceding the Mabuyakhulu who claiming that ward elections, the ANC, disbanded the Abaqulusi demarcations were made in represented by President municipality for ways that suited the ANC. Thabo Mbeki campaigned in maladministration some Ward 24 for example Wembezi, Estcourt. Shortly months ago. IFP originally consisted only of after Mbeki had left the area representatives addressing Pinetown and Westville a group of ANC toyi toying the rally stated that the areas but the council supporters were disrupted by disbanding of the redemarcations saw the a group of IFP supporters. municipality was merely a inclusion of areas with ANC supporters, among political move by the ANC strong ANC support such as them mayoral candidate to prepare the municipality Chesterville. Likewise Cato Phiwokwakhe Sokhela, for an ANC takeover. IFP Crest, an ANC stronghold stated that ‘well known’ IFP mayor of the Zululand was included into the former district municipality, Zanele 4 Sunday Tribune, 5 March 2006 5 Sunday Tribune (Community 6 Witness, 27 February 2006 3 Sunday Tribune, 5 March 2006 First), 5 March 2006 7 Mercury, 1 March 2006
24 election update 2006 South Africa number 2
Magwaza urged the crowd to vehicles were also on material to be flown into demonstrate their anger standby to transport voters to areas affected by heavy rain against Mabuyakhulu voting stations should there and floods. At Mngeni “through the ballot box”. She be heavy rains and washed (Howick) ballot papers had added, “The decision to out bridges and roads in rural been delivered to the wrong disband the municipality is areas. stations and this effectively going to backfire because delayed voting. The strong people are going to vote All of the voting stations police and security presence overwhelmingly for the IFP were set to operate between in political hotspots seemed to show who rules here.”8 7am and 7pm on 1 March to have successfully and were equipped with zip contained the outbreak of The Voting Process zip scanners to check voters’ political violence. In names and speed up the Wembezi, for example, KwaZulu-Natal had voting process. Voters were voting was carried out 3,964,817 registered voters also advised that the offices peacefully. A voter standing for the 2006 elections and of Home Affairs would be in line said, “I am very recorded a 50.57% turnout open should they still need to happy that I will finally be on voting day. This was an pick up their identity able to vote for the increase from the 2000 documents. government that I want elections where there were without being intimidated. 3,507,849 registered voters The province made no Violence is high in this area and a 46.67% turnout.9 allowance for special voting – if we go to another section and as a result thousands of we get beaten up, if people policemen and emergency come to our section we beat service workers as well as them up – that’s just how it
% electoral officers were not is. Intimidation has been Votes Voters Voters Turnout Turnout Potential Potential Registered Registered Votes Cast able to vote. This sparked high here before today but 3,964,817 10,498,327 5,308,650 50.57 contention in police circles. because of the high police Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Police spokesman Denis presence things have been www.elections.org.za 11 Adriao said that the subject really calm.” While other The KwaZulu-Natal IEC had was a ‘touchy one’ for many political hotspots also delivered 12 million ballot police officers. He added remained fairly calm during papers to its 4069 polling that there was an effort to voting, political disruptions stations well before polling deploy, as far as possible, broke out at Mkhambathini opened. Its 38000 staff had officers to the areas in which (Camperdown). The also begun their polling they were registered so that KwaNonyavu voting station 10 station duties by 6am on the they might be able to vote. in ward 1 of Camperdown morning of voting day. The had to be closed for a few IEC made use of its 54 Voting day in KwaZulu- hours after it opened at 7am. 4X4’s as well as SAPS Natal, for the most part, went The area had not been vehicles to transport voting quite smoothly. There were marked as a political hotspot. materials to voting stations however some logistical Disruptions broke out when inaccessible because of the problems and some political a group of youths blockaded rain. SAPS and SANDF disruptions in unexpected the gate and informed the areas. In the Bergville area queue of voters that only the voting stations opened late IFP could vote at the polling 8 Mercury, 1 March 2006 9 because electoral personnel station, they then proceeded Pottie, D, Ford, H, (eds) “Local had to wait for voting to chase away voters whom Government in South Africa: Elections 2000” – e-book, they did not think would Johannesburg: Electoral Institute 10 Sunday Tribune, 26 February of South Africa (EISA), 2000 2006 11 Mercury, 2 March 2006
25 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 vote for the IFP. The ANC Saturday an IFP councillor Asherville. A polling station who was forced to remove came here and gave us set up at the Hindu School to two of its party agents from sweets – we only see them service the Jadhu Place the voting stations out of because of the elections.”15 informal settlement was concern for their safety, has Likewise interviews with empty with no queues – objected to the election residents of the township members of the settlement results in Camperdown.12 Chatsworth reveal that claimed that none of their The ANC has also objected residents believe that beyond 4000 members had voted and to results from some of the elections their concerns go out of the 2380 registered voting stations in Wembezi, unheard by government. This voters at the station only 841 where despite a lack of is illustrated by views that had voted. Likewise the violence, they claim certain the housing department’s eThekweni College polling IEC officials were biased announcement to allocate station only recorded 342 towards the IFP and R37 million towards the people as having cast their ‘commanded’ voters to vote upgrading of council flats in ballots out of the 1300 voters IFP.13 the township was merely registered.18 designed to elicit election Voting Behaviour support.16 Likewise, Chatsworth recorded its lowest polling Voting patterns in the According to political turnout ever with only 4800 province indicated that analyst Laurence Piper, voter voters participating in the voting began slowly with turnout in local government elections out of the 17000 only 573000 people having elections is generally lower registered voters.19 Areas cast their votes by 11:30 than in national/provincial where there was a am.14 Slow voting fuelled elections. Also, as surprisingly high voter concerns that voter apathy democracy and voting turnout such as Richmond, a was prevalent in the become more ‘normalised’ former political hotspot, province. Indeed, testimony voter turnout will decrease – where turnout was 75% may from squatter camp and the decline in turnout be attributable to the lower township dwellers in the between the 1996 local levels of violence and province indicate that large elections and the 2000 local political intimidation.20 urban constituencies do not elections was about 10%, believe that their vote counts 60% in 1996 and 48% in Political Appointments for much. On the Monday 2000. Although there was preceding the election actually an increase in voter Following its victory in hundreds of squatter camp turnout in KwaZulu-Natal KwaZulu-Natal, the ANC residents took the streets of between the 2000 and the continued its drive toward Durban protesting that they 2006 elections Piper argued gender parity within local would not cast their ballots that voter turnout was government. Four women as long as they had no affected in areas where there were appointed as mayors in houses, “No land, no houses, had been protests around the province, Zanele no vote”. Squatters service delivery.17 Indeed Hlatshwayo (Msunduzi), interviewed expressed anger polling stations in Durban’s Bongi Sithole at political campaigning protest-torn ward 25 (uMgungundlovu), Sizakele within their communities, recorded low levels of voter Makhaye (Impendle) and “The ANC came on Sunday turn out. Ward 25 includes Thobekile Maphumulo and handed out T Shirts. On Sydenham, Springfield and (Mkhambathini). While it
12 Mercury, 2 March 2006 15 Witness, 1 March 2006 18 Mercury, 2 March 2006 13 Witness, 2 March 2006 16 Mercury, 28 February 2006 19 Daily News, 2 March 2006 14 Mercury, 2 March 2006 17 Witness, 1 March 2006 20 Daily News, 2 March 2006
26 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 fell short of its objective of backs”. After failing to force been re-installed in his ensuring that at least half the the ANC to start the former position following mayors in its municipalities nomination process afresh, the IFP’s victory in Estcourt. were women, the ANC members then chose Zamani Shelembe has also been contends that no Mthethwa to represent them arrested on charges of municipality under its as an independent candidate. attempted murder and arson control lacks female senior Mthethewa, however, lost and has been accused of members. the elections.22 The protest having run the municipality became disruptive when like a “spaza shop”. The According to ANC some protesters began 2004 floor crossers claimed representatives, potential burning tyres. The police that “the municipality was a violence hot spots in were forced to intervene and disgrace” and that “the IFP KwaZulu-Natal affected the opened fire shooting dead an members crossed the floor fielding of female innocent passerby. The ANC because of the excesses of candidates. In Nongoma, has condemned the protest the IFP – it (the defections) women who had been calling it a “riotous was a very positive step for approached to stand for demonstration”.23 the town”. 25 In Ezinqoleni, election had declined leading three IFP councillors have to more men being The IFP has been making been arrested and charged appointed. In the waves of its own in the wake with the murders of newly Ntambanana municipality of the elections results. The elected ANC Ezinqoleni the ANC had only fielded Abaqulusi municipality councillor, Zakhele Cele male candidates – “The which was taken over by the who was gunned down at his situation is so bad that in the provincial administration home along with two other Mahlabathini area a woman after being dissolved for ANC members soon after the who contested a ward is still maladministration was once elections. KwaZulu-Natal being vilified and threatened again secured by the IFP premier S’bu Ndebele called with death.”21 who won 13 out of the 20 for a redeployment of all wards in the area (as police officers at the The ANC has also been opposed to its 16 out of 20 Ezinqoleni police station for plagued by public protest in wards in 2000). The victory failing to protect Cele who Umlazi (Section E) over the was welcomed by the IFP had made an official report re-election of ANC who said, “It shows that the of death threats against him councillor Bhekissa Elliot IFP has backbone, we have for standing as an ANC Xulu. About 500 angry come out of turmoil”. The candidate in Ezinqoleni. residents marched in IFP plans to restore According to Community objection to Xulu’s re- councillors and officials who Safety MEC, Bheki Cele the election on the grounds that were removed after the police station is in need of a he (Xulu) had the rigged the municipality had been ‘clean up’. “We have been vote by distributing ballot dissolved.24 Likewise, told that police demand that papers in his favour. The Lymon Shelembe former IFP people show party protesters claimed that Xulu mayor of Umtshezi, who was membership cards before had been in office for ten removed from office in 2004 attending to their needs”. years but had failed to after 2 IFP councillors, a DA The IEC is in the process of deliver on his election councillor and an scheduling a by-election in promises. The protesters independent candidate the area in order to replace claimed that the ANC had defected to the ANC, has imposed him as an election candidate “behind their 22 Daily News, 6 March 2006 23 Daily News, 3 March 2006 21 Mercury, 16 March 2006 24 Sunday Tribune, 5 March 2006 25 Sunday Tribune, 5 March 2006
27 election update 2006 South Africa number 2
Cele who was the only ANC Some of the problems that province leading to the councillor in the region.26 were experienced by the IEC nominated candidates as included the floods that automatic winners. Thus the affected the Transkei area on number of ballot papers- EASTERN CAPE election day. This led to the three- that the IEC had to washing away of some issue to each voter in ward Dr. Thabisi Hoeane bridges rendering some rural election had to be reduced to Rhodes University areas difficult to access as two. Thankfully this did not they had to be reached by lead to confusion as voters Introduction helicopters to deliver voting had been notified that they materials. However, the IEC would use three ballots. By all accounts, the third indicated that although the Indeed, no cases were democratic local government floods were an reported province wide in elections went well in terms inconvenience, the turnout in relation to actual issues of both its administration by these areas was good.29 pertaining to procedural the Independent Electoral aspects of the elections at Commission (IEC) and the Viewed against the earlier polling booths. lack of serious problems concerns by the IEC such as political violence and regarding the quality of The relatively peaceful, fair intimidation on polling day. services at some stations, and free nature of the Political parties that which were considered as election was asserted in a participated in the process serious threats to conducting statement by Reverend Finca also expressed general a seamless election, these that, “ It has not happened satisfaction. developments bode well for before that 24 hours before the province. These fears had close of the campaigning Polling Stations been expressed at a period, my party has had no conference to address these inter-party conflict to deal According to the provincial issues, by the Provincial with”.31 Thus even from the IEC office, all the 4 368 Electoral Office (PEO) perspectives of political polling stations around the Reverend Bongani Finca party conflicts, the election Eastern Cape were operating who warned that,“Provinces was regarded to have by 7:30 a.m. on polling day, like the Eastern Cape which proceeded smoothly. 30 minutes after the has a lot of infrastructure designated time.27 This is and logistical problems must Other problems that were despite some reservations begin to prepare itself experienced during polling and concerns that up to 114 timeously, if the high day occurred at Matatiele, stations would experience standard required by the IEC the contested cross boundary slow progress due to delay in are to be met.30 municipality with rival the delivery of election candidates- both from the materials on time.28 One notable feature of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu election was that there were Natal- claiming to represent 13 uncontested wards in the the ANC and voters turning up at Willowdale only to 26 Daily News, 8 March 2006, 29 Sue Blaine, ‘IEC hopes to find that they had been Mercury 13 March 2006, Witness declare municipal election results declared dead and could not 13 March 2006 within three days’, 27 Francois Rank and Dineo http://www.bussinessday.co.za/arti Matomela, ‘ Uneventful Bay cles/special reprots.aspx? elections good news for ANC as ID=BD4A162687 31 Mayibongwe Maqhina, “ IEC counting begins’, The Herald, 3 30 Daily Dispatch, ‘ Facilities at optimistic glitches will be March 2006, p.1. EC voting stations a worry –IEC’, minimal’, Daily Dispatch, 28 28 Ibid. 13 November 2004, p.4. February 2006, p.2.
28 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 vote.32 The other reported precincts of the station be latter’s supporters at Fort case of problems occurred at allowed to vote.33 Beaufort, although this Butterworth and its incident did not degenerate surrounding villages where The Eastern Cape Province into physical violence. In the IEC experienced registered the highest turnout terms of formal complaints, malfunctioning scanners, of voters- 56 percent; 8 the IEC reported having just incorrect voters rolling being percent over the national received only two such cases sent to voting stations and average of 48 percent34. This of intimidation lodged by the some voters turning up at was despite the background ANC and DA against each stations where they had not of service delivery protests other. registered and thus being that had rocked the province ineligible to vote. especially in the coastal In King Williams Town, the areas of Port Elizabeth and situation was reportedly Voting Behaviour and East London in 2005. marred by an incident in Citizen Participation. Indeed, the Nelson Mandela which the Deputy Minister Metro in Port Elizabeth of Defence and ANC Media reports indicated that registered a high turnout of Chairperson of the Amathole voting day experienced a 65 percent.35 This had been Region apparently refused to slow trickle of voters as predicted in pre-elections identify themselves to IEC polling booths opened, but surveys that noted that officials at a voting station, this increased as the day although Eastern Cape voters although the incident was wore on and reached a were dissatisfied with eventually amicably maximum in the early service delivery and were resolved.37 evening when the cut off prepared to engage in time of 7:00 pm. approached. protests they were equally A security scare was also determined to turning up to experienced in Grahamstown Some incidents of vote on election day.36 when, several police officials misbehaviour by voters were assigned to voting polls the result of this practice of However, although the suffered from food poisoning large numbers only turning process was largely peaceful allegedly contracted from up to vote towards closing indicating a free and fair eating the food packs that time- although polling day election there were still had been distributed by the had been declared a national pockets of concerning provincial office in King holiday- leading to serious behaviour from voters. There Williams Town.38 This was congestion. For example, in were, for example, reported coupled with complaints the Amathole District irate cases of friction between from Port Elizabeth police voters who arrived late supporters of independent officers who were deployed stormed a voting station candidates that had broken to the Transkei area, over bringing the voting process from the ANC and the amongst others, transport to a halt. The matter was arrangements and low only resolved after the police 33 http: subsistence allowances, intervened and negotiators of www.dispatch.co.za/2006/03/03/E factors that were astern Cape. various political parties 34 compounded by the fact that Grocotts Mail Reporter, ‘ agreed that all those who Looking back on election day’, they were not allowed to were present around the Groccots Mail, 7 March 2006, p.2. 35 http://www.theherald.co.za/herald/ 37 2006/03/03/news. http://www.dispacth.co.za/2006/03 32 Daily Dispatch Reporters, 36 Susan Booysen, ‘ East Cape /02/Eastern Cape. http://www. co.za. voters use both ballot and brick’, 38 Mzimazi Gcukana, ‘Election Dispatch.co.za/2006/03/01/ Weekend Post, 26 February 2006, police poisoned’, Grocotts Mail, 7 Eastern Cape p.9. March 2006, p.1.
29 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 vote as they would not be in taken loans from to voters, adequacy of their localities as stipulated moneylenders were unable to lighting and under the Municipal vote because as a form of communications, transport Electoral Act.39 This came security these agents and other logistical after the Police and Prisons withhold ID’s. considerations (PEMMO). Civil Rights Union (POCRU) had failed in its For example, this illegal The Gauteng province was court application that special practice was highlighted as divided into 2172 voting arrangements should be quite significant in the districts with the three made for such officers. Grahamstown area, to the metropolitan councils i.e. extent that the Rhodes City of Johannesburg, There was also a University Law clinic Ekurhuleni and Tshwane demonstration by about 500 offered to assist voters in sharing 1 730 voting districts voters in Matatiele on the such situations. amongst them. This eve of the election involving arrangement was informed a march to the local Conclusion primarily by the size and municipal office to demand population density in these that the council intervene in The electoral process in the metropolitan councils. The the dispute between them Eastern Cape proceeded IEC used mainly public and the national government fairly well, despite some of infrastructure such as over incorporation into the the problems that were schools and community halls Eastern Cape. This peace experienced on polling day. as polling stations. In areas protest march had been These were relatively where such infrastructure did triggered by the insignificant considering the not exist, temporary Constitutional Court’s problems which occurred in structures were created in the rejection of an appeal other areas of the country. form of tents as polling brought by the community to This is particularly so with stations. post-pone the election in the respect to the relatively high area.40 turnout of voters, especially According to IEC officials, in those areas that who were interviewed, all The other problem that had experienced protests in the polling stations in Khutsong an impact on voter run up to the election. were temporary structures participation in the province because the schools that had was related to the GAUTENG agreed to serve as polling unavailability of ID stations reneged on their documents, a stipulation that Sydney Letsholo and commitment fearing is mandatory before voters Themba Nkwinika possibilities of being burnt can cast their vote. Accurate EISA down by angry protesters. figures are not available of Moreover, some IEC how many voters were Polling Stations officials in the area withdrew affected by this at the eleventh hour citing development, but the most Polling stations play a safety reasons. worrying aspect of this issue crucial role in facilitating a was that poor voters who had smooth electoral process. Consequently, the IEC had The decision on the number to recruit and train new and location of polling people at short notice. The 39 stations is usually based on a Table that follows provides http://www.therald.co.za/herald/20 an outline of the voting 06/03/01/new. number of factors such as the 40 number of voters per station, districts in Gauteng during http://www.dispatch.co.za/2006/01 the proximity of the station the 2006 municipal elections. /01/Easterncape/bmatatiele.html
30 election update 2006 South Africa number 2
Available information ballot booths is one way of choice. This process would suggests that almost all ensuring this secrecy. There involve only the voter and polling stations were opened There were no reports of one electoral official at 07h00 and closed 19h00 situations where the secrecy assisting that particular and had all the necessary of the ballot was voter. logistical requirements (such compromised in the as voters roll, correct ballot province. Party agents were present to papers, ink) etc to enable ensure that voting took place voting in conformity with the in conditions conducive to legal requirements. the secrecy of the ballot.
Voters Voters Wards Wards Voting Districts Districts Registered Registered
In very few instances where Municipality The Voting Process polling stations did not open EKU- Ekurhuleni 88 525 1240348 on time, it was either due to (East Rand) For one to participate in the JHB- City of 109 727 1739292 communication problems or Johannesburg 2006 local government delays in the delivery of TSH- Tshwane 76 478 1064759 elections, a green bar-coded Metro some of the election (Pretoria) identity document or a DC46- - - - material. By 9h00 all stations Metsweding temporary identity certificate were operational and it was GT02b2- 14 57 50854 (TIC) was required. As is the Kungwini all systems go. In instances (Bronkhorstspruit) norm with previous GT02b1- Nokeng 6 25 26723 where the stations operated tsa Taemane elections, physically disabled beyond 19h00, it was mainly (Cullinan) voters were given DC48- West Rand - - - due to delayed voting by GT481- Mogale 32 82 148503 preferential treatment on City some voters (mostly young) (Krugersdorp) Election Day. For this to who had waited for the last GT482- 19 35 66415 happen, Presiding Officers Randfontein minute in order to avoid long GT483- 15 26 48255 were at hand to assist the Westonaria queues. Thus, officials GTDMA48- West - 3 3110 disabled and voters who Rand extended voting time to (Sterkfontein could not read. Party agents allow them to vote. DMA) were also present to DC42- Sedibeng - - - GT421- Emfuleni 43 152 319623 vigilantly monitor the voting With the support of security (Vereeniging) process to ensure that voters GT422- Midvaal 10 29 38552 personnel, the IEC managed (Meyerton) were given the necessary GT423- Lesedi 11 33 39521 to keep polling stations at a (Heidelberg) support when they arrived at level conducive for voters to Total 423 2172 4785955 polling stations. cast their votes freely throughout the Gauteng Even in instances where According to the IEC official province. This includes areas electoral officials had to interviewed, there were such as Khutsong and assist illiterate voters, there isolated instances where Mabopane where there were were no substantial reports voter’s names did not appear threats of violence on the made on the secrecy of the in the voters’ roll. This Election Day. ballot being compromised phenomenon was highly when such assistance was prevalent in areas which Secrecy of the Ballot provided. This is mainly were affected by the because voters went to the delimitation process and The secrecy of the ballot is polling stations knowing voters did not make an effort one of the great pillars on well who their candidates to verify their names on the which free and fair, credible were and all that was voters’ roll during the and legitimate elections necessary for the officials registration phase. rest41. The positioning of was to assist them in finding their candidates on the ballot In some instances voters 41 PEMMO paper and in making their went to wrong polling
31 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 stations due to their simple were always at hand to a 2% increase in voter assumption that because they provide assistance. turnout. have voted before, their According to the IEC reports names would be in the Gauteng had the second Worth noting is citizen voters’ roll. Such a lowest record of spoilt participation in Khotsong. manifestation signals lack of ballots recorded at 1.9 % Residents in this area were awareness amongst certain following the Western Cape fresh from a failed court sections of the voting province that had only 1.5 interdict to have elections community around %. postponed in their area until municipal electoral the demarcation dispute was processes. Citizen Participation resolved. It was anticipated that an election would not As in other provinces Citizen participation in an take place in Khotsong given throughout South Africa, election is mainly measured the boiling tempers amongst voters in Gauteng followed through the actual number of residents andshould it the following procedure: eligible voters who cast their paticipate, it would be • ID book/TIC was vote on Election Day. In the engulfed in violence, checked and name case of local government intimidation and high levels marked off on the elections, voters are expected of security force voters’ roll. to vote for an individual as a intervention. • Thumb nail was marked ward representative and a with visible indelible political party for On the contrary, a large ink. proportional representation percentage of residents • Voters were issued with purposes. Proportional decided to participate in the either two or three ballot Representation (PR) seats election by not casting their papers of various are allocated so as to correct votes and rather engage in colours – the number of over or under representation sporting activities next to the ballot papers depended of parties into the votes they polling stations; an act on what type of have received. Thus, the viewed by some municipality voters percentage of seats won in commentators as a way of lived in. voters in the total is roughly equal to the expressing anger, monitoring three metropolitan proportion of votes won. residents who defied the call councils were issued not to vote by protesters etc. with two ballot papers Statistics produced by the At the end, Khutsong went whilst their counterparts IEC in preparation for the into the IEC records as an in the other voting 2006 local government area with the lowest voter stations were issued elections suggest that turnout reported at only 300 with three ballot papers. Gauteng had a total number votes cast. Such a turnout • Voters marked these of 10,310,356 potential raises questions around the ballot papers in secret; voters. The province went legitimacy of the elected and into the elections with a total councillors.
• Voters put the marked number of 4,785,955 The total number of votes and folded ballot papers registered voters and only 42 attained by parties contesting in the ballot box . 4,379,383 leaving voter elections throughout
turnout at 42.48 %. The Gauteng follows in the table Voters in Gauteng largely voter turnout was consistent followed the above processes below. with the previous local diligently, where voters had government elections which On Sat, 04 Mar 2006, difficulties, IEC officials averaged 43%. The IEC iafrica.com posted an article could not meet their target of titled: GAUTENG ANC 42 http://www.elections.org.za
32 election update 2006 South Africa number 2
takes all but one council. The with four seats and 69.26 getting two seats each. The African National Congress percent of the vote. The UDM, Independent had a resounding overall win Freedom Front Plus (FF+) Ratepayers of SA, Daveyton in Gauteng in the local and the DA got one seat Community Peace government elections, each. In the West Rand Committee, Azapo and conceding only one council District Council the ANC Simunye in Christ Party to another party. Midvaal won ten seats with 65.34 captured each one seat. (Meyerton) was won by the percent of the vote. The DA Democratic Alliance. Voter won four seats and the In Nokeng tsa Taemane turnout in the province was Independent Democrats (ID) (Cullinan) the ANC won 42.48 percent with the one. seven of the seats with 61.61 highest in Midvaal, where percent of the votes. The DA 56.53 percent of voters cast The ANC won 108 seats in captured three seats, while their ballots. In the Sedibeng the Ekurhuleni Metro, the the FF+ and ACDP won one District Council the ANC last of the Gauteng voting seat each. Nineteen seats won a 72.11 percent districts to finish counting went to the ANC in the majority, claiming 12 of the and auditing their ballots. Kungwini Municipality seats. The Pan Africanist The party won 61.34 percent (Bronkhorstspruit) where the Congress won one seat and of the votes. The DA won 45 party captured 71.91 percent the DA four. seats, the IFP five. Three of the votes. Five seats went seats went to the Displacees to the DA and one each to The ANC also claimed an Ratepayers Association. the FF+, ACDP and PAC. easy victory in the Three also went to the PAC, Metsweding District Council with the ACDP and FF+
Ward PR DMA DC 60% DC40% Valid Votes Total % Party Name Valid Votes Valid Votes Valid Votes Valid Votes AFRICAN CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE-AFRIKANER CHRISTEN ALLIANSIE 1057 1951 3008 0.07 AFRICAN CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY 22928 24545 4071 51544 1.20 AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS 1223375 1232979 992 233652 2690998 62.47 AFRICAN RENAISSANCE CIVIC MOVEMENT 995 1200 2195 0.05 ASCORA 625 1017 1642 0.04 AZANIAN PEOPLE'S ORGANISATION 8510 8270 1762 18542 0.43 BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS FORUM 182 451 633 0.01 BLACK PEOPLE'S CONVENTION 441 477 522 1440 0.03 CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY 4712 4121 8833 0.21 CHRISTIAN FRONT 1621 1296 2917 0.07 DAVEYTON COMMUNITY PEACE COMMITTEE 1759 1976 3735 0.09 DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE/DEMOKRATIESE ALLIANSIE 531502 529878 174 75205 1136759 26.39 DISPLACEES RATE-PAYERS ASSOCIATION 8814 7472 16286 0.38 ECONOMIC FREEDOM MOVEMENT 113 437 550 0.01 FEDERAL ALLIANCE 1295 1497 2792 0.06 GEMINI 538 625 1163 0.03 INDEPENDENT 31150 31150 0.72 INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATS 26292 27054 7 4686 58039 1.35 INDEPENDENT RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF SA 2973 1831 4804 0.11 INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY 41088 42555 1857 85500 1.98 KHAYALAMI RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION 828 894 1722 0.04 NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION 2444 3956 6400 0.15 OPERATION KHANYISA MOVEMENT 1173 3132 4305 0.10 PAN AFRICANIST CONGRESS OF AZANIA 24570 23259 5986 53815 1.25 PEOPLE'S FORUM 299 287 586 0.01 REGTE PARTY/RIGHT PARTY 45 689 734 0.02 SIMUNYE IN CHRIST ORGANISATION 934 1873 2807 0.07 SMALL-FARM RESIDENT ASSOCIATION 98 98 0.00 SOSHANGUVE CIVIC ASSOCIATION 975 1068 2043 0.05 SUNRISE PARK, PROTEA CITY AND GREENSIDE RES ASSOC 469 469 0.01 THE SOCIALIST PARTY OF AZANIA 270 784 463 1517 0.04 THEMBISA CONCERNED RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION 475 1102 1577 0.04 TSHWARANANG CIVIC ORGANISATION 863 861 1724 0.04 UMHLABA UHLANGENE PEOPLE'S UNITED NATIONS 213 364 577 0.01 UNITED CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY 2812 3294 6106 0.14 UNITED COMMUNITY INDEPENDENT PARTY 681 681 0.02 UNITED DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT 5924 9842 492 16258 0.38 UNITED INDEPENDENT FRONT 1730 3161 4891 0.11 VRYHEIDSFRONT PLUS 35259 36155 22 7700 79136 1.84 Total Votes 1990032 1980353 1195 336396 4307976 100.00
33 election update 2006 South Africa number 2
Emfuleni (Vereeniging) saw Khanyisa and the Christian such as the ANC and the DA the ANC winning 76.37 Democratic Party also would forward ward and PR percent of the vote, claiming captured one seat each in candidates in all voting 65 seats. Fifteen went to the Johannesburg. district. Such an outcome DA, three to the PAC and suggests that some parties one each to the FF+ and the The ANC also captured the approached the elections ID. Midvaal (Meyerton) was Tshwane Metro (Pretoria) with strong ward candidates won by the DA with 55.7 with 56.27 percent votes, but with weak local and percent of the votes, getting 87 seats. The DA regional political structures. capturing 11 seats. The ANC captured 47 seats, the FF+ In an event that a candidate had to be satisfied with only seven and the ACDP three. in a particular ward is from a eight seats. In Lesedi The PAC received two seats. given political party, it can (Heidelberg), the ANC had a The ID, United Christian be reasonably expected that resounding victory, Democratic Party, African people who vote for that capturing 70.38 percent of Christian Alliance, IFP, ward candidate will also vote the votes and winning 15 AZAPO and National for the party that s/he comes seats. The DA won four Democratic Convention all from at a PR level. For seats, with the FF+ and ID captured one seat each in example, people who vote winning one seat each. The Pretoria. The ANC's overall for the ANC (PR) in ward 1 ruling party won 42 seats in support in Gauteng was would also vote for its ward Mogale City (Krugersdorp) 62.45 percent with the DA's candidate in ward 1. The capturing 64.91 percent of on 26.39 percent. above table suggests a the vote. The DA won 16 different trend whereby seats and the FF+ two. The The table above depicts the voters may have voted for a ID, IFP, ACDP and Azapo number of votes that one party ward level and won one seat each. different political parties another at PR level. Another received at ward and PR unlikely view could be that In Randfontein the ANC level. As depicted in the voters could have only voted won 61.33 percent of the table above, the ANC for PR and not ward vote, claiming 23 seats. The received 60% of the overall representative and vise versa. DA came in second with 11 provincial votes, tightening seats. The ID, FF+ and PAC its grip over local Another trend worth got one seat each. Twenty- governance in Gauteng. observing when considering two seats went to the ruling Worth of note is the sharp the 2006 local government party in Westonaria where difference between the elections are independent 72.68 percent votes went number of votes that each candidates. The 2006 their way. The DA captured party received at ward and elections was marked by a three seats. Azapo, the IFP, proportional representation. sharp increase in the number Black People's Convention It would appear that most of independent candidates and the ID received one seat parties, the ANC included, standing out of each. In the City of did well and secured more disgruntlement with the Johannesburg the ANC won votes at a PR than ward constituencies that they 136 of the seats with 62.29 level. On the other hand, the represented, with the percent of the vote. The DA DA and few other grass roots previous councillors or got 59 seats, the IFP seven, formations garnered more political parties that they the ID four and the ACDP votes at a ward than PR belonged to as well as and PAC two each. One seat level. Such a trend suggested individual political ambition. went to an independent an interesting, maybe candidate. The FF+, UDM, dialectical, pattern in Gauteng was one of the AZAPO, Operation behaviour of voters. Parties provinces that had a high
34 election update 2006 South Africa number 2
number of independent does not translate into an ward candidates with the candidates. Whilst the table increase in the number of highest number of voting above suggests that quite a wards won by independent population i.e. City of number of votes went to candidates. The table below Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and the independent candidates, it presents the performance of City of Johannesburg,
Metropolitan Council Valid votes % Votes Ward Seats PR Seats Total Seats % Seats Tshwane 7 260 0.84 0 1 1 0.66 Ekurhuleni 10 235 0.98 0 2 2 1.14 Jo’burg 13 883 1.00 1 0 10.46
FREE STATE elections” (As quoted in had to be printed Mepha 2006:30). (Versluis 2006:11).
Angelique Harsant and On promulgation of the Voter Education Constanze Bauer election dated in the The IEC launched a huge Department of Political Government Gazette, the voter education campaign in Science,University of the election timetable is November 2005. This multi- Free State published by the IEC which levelled communications provides the legislative campaign using leaflets, The Preparedness of the framework within which posters, print advertising, Electoral Management certain electoral processes billboards and electronic Body must take place (Bulletin media was aimed at the 2006:1). After the national registration process and elections of 14 April 2004, Despite the 50 million ballot attempted to address voter the IEC went into the papers needed for the 21 apathy. It is important for election mode which million South Africans who voters to vote as it is only includes the following: registered to cast their ballots through exercising their vote
in 4000 wards requiring that they are able to make a Re-evaluation of all different ballots for each area • difference and bring about voting districts and and the 180 000 people change (Sauer 2006:1). needed to manage the 18 873 facilities which resulted voting stations, the IEC in the creation of 1186 The mass voter education needs to ensure that voter Voting Districts (VDs) campaign by the IEC education is conducted, which represented a 10% included aspects which candidates are registered, increase in relation to the focused on the following security and conflict 2004 elections (Mepha aspects, viz. the requirements management systems are in 2006:29). and importance of place, and that parties have • The increase in VDs was registering; the requirements signed the Code of Conduct necessitated in order to and importance of voting; as well as the planning and reduce long queues and when to register and when to implementation of all distances especially in vote as well as balloting logistical arrangements informal settlements, education which educated (Naidu, 2006:5). In the townships and rural people on where to vote and words of Mr Mepha, Chief areas. The threshold for how to vote. The target Electoral Officer for the Free a VD is 3000 (Interview population was the youth and State, “once more, we with Mr Mepha, 19 April the rural communities. The commit ourselves to 2006). IEC in the Free State made delivering credible and • More than 4 200 use of 20 municipal field co- unquestionable free and fair different ballot papers ordinators and 155 field
35 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 workers (Mepha 2006:22- certify the segment of the stations in 300 voting 23). voters roll as well as making districts (Sauer 2006:1). In such segment available for the 2000 elections, 1 225 620 Voter Registration inspection (Mepha 2006:19- voters had voted at 1 061 20). voting stations. With the The municipal section of the closure of the voters’ roll on National Common Voters The IEC in the Free State 6 January 2006, there were 1 Roll consists of the segments made use of 15 597 voting 318 408 registered voters of the VDs of the staff and 3 558 registration (Sauer 2006:1). municipality and the staff for the 2006 elections. Registration of Candidates segment of the Voters Roll Furthermore, the IEC made published on the day of the use of 25 trainers to train the There are 3 015 candidates, calling of elections, must be 3 558 registration staff that is 1 426 ward candidates the one that will be used for (Mepha 2006: 15-17). The and 1 589 proportional that election. It is the task of election officials were representation candidates. the Chief Electoral Officer to deployed to 1 186 polling
VOTERS ROLL VOTERS ROLL MUNICIPALITY DECREASE/INCREASE ELECTION 2004 ELECTION 2005 Letsemeng 16,341 16,595 +254 Kopanong 23,399 23,898 +499 Mohokare 15,959 16,530 +571 Naledi 12,492 12,736 +244 Mangaung 345,371 345,103 -268 Mantsopa 26,121 25,905 -216 Masilonyana 32,417 32,102 -315 Tokologo 13,345 12,302 -43 Tswelopele 22,232 22,430 +198 Matjhabeng 203,583 201,715 -1868 Nala 39,722 40,251 +529 Setsoto 54,986 55,789 +803 Dihlabeng 61,386 61,923 +537 Nketoana 29,321 29,289 -32 Maluti a phofung 168,592 169,141 +549 Phumelela 23,524 23,414 -110 Mpqhaka 83,616 82,609 -1,007 Ngwathe 62,702 63,112 +140 Metsimaholo 59,977 62,293 +2,316 Mafube 29,956 27,064 +108 Golden Gate DMA 153 149 -4 TOTALS 1,321,195 1,324,351 +3,156 (Mepha 2006:11-13)
These have qualified to After the 2000 Local Council Composition was as contest the 2006 local Government elections in the follows: government elections in the Free State, the overall Free State (FS IEC 2006a:1).
No. of Municipalities Total No. of seats Total No. of valid votes for a Party Name % Support won won party ANC 20 417 1272440 72,11 Other 492261 27,89
TOTAL 1764701 100 IEC Local Government Elections 2000:1
36 election update 2006 South Africa number 2
Electoral statistics for the decision to be taken by the concerned about the FF Plus Free State Cape supplied by electorate. Another question and the ACDP dividing the the IEC indicate the is if the opposition, opposition. The provincial following: especially parties such as the leader of the DA said the DA, would be able to profit Freedom Front could gain Total number of candidates 3015 from disgruntled voters some support in Total number of Independents 16 protesting against poor Bloemfontein but could be in Total number of ward candidates 1426 Total number of PR list 1589 service delivery and for a difficult fight in the candidates corruption. The competition rural areas. Botha stated that Number of registered parties 18 over the same slice of the the ACDP is challenged by (FS-IEC 2006a:1) election cake among the fact some that voters
opposition parties is also a would like to separate There are 18 organisations point of interest. In the Free religion (the church) and contesting the 2006 State the opposition parties politics, a union which forms Elections in the Free State already have seats in the the foundation of the party. namely: ACDP, ANC, AZAPO, legislature and as such the The Democratic Alliance BELASTINBETALINGSVERENIGI NG VAN PARYS, BLACK ACDP, DA and FF Plus are (DA) welcomed Inus CONSCIOUSNESS FORUM, DA, of special interest to voters Aucamp, the former New INDEPENDENT CIVIC and analysts alike. (Coetzee, National Party (NNP), to the ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH 2006:1). DA during a local AFRICA, ID, IFP, NATIONAL government campaign DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION, PAC, PHUMELELA Mr Casper Nordier, (Internet, 2006…Former RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION, provincial leader of the NNP leader and Coetzee, THE SOCIALIST PARTY OF ACDP, is carefully 2006:1). AZANIA, UCDP, UDM, UIF, FF- optimistic about the results. Plus, (FS-IEC 2006b:1). Nordier was especially Mr Abrie Oosthuizen, optimistic about electoral provincial leader of the As political parties geared- success in Bethlehem, Freedom Front was positive up for a place in the race for Ladybrand, Kroonstad, about electoral results in control over local Koffiefontein and favour of the party in areas government the political Oppermansgronde. Nordier such as Bloemfontein, environment was filled with stated that voters will not Bethlehem, Kroonstat, anticipation, excitement, and change and that electoral Bothaville, the Goldfields confidence as election illiteracy is an aspect of and Sasolburg which would campaigning drew to a close. concern (Coetzee, 2006:1). also be dependent on voter turnout. Oosthuizen Campaigning Mr Mahlamela Ralebesa, challenged who heads the mayoral In both the Northern Cape candidate’s proportional list Andies Botha’s views and the Free State the ANC said that the ANC was regarding the division of the decree of support remained positive of a successful opposition and that in his at the discretion of the outcome for the party during view supporters of the voters. The results of the this upcoming local opposition would not be previous election in 2000 government election. Mr taken in by the DA’s election indicated a 72% support base Andries Botha, provincial slogan, advising voters not to in the Free State and a 65% leader of the DA is of the divide the opposition. The support in the Northern opinion that the DA can gain tension between the Freedom Cape. Further, this support up to 25% of the ANC Front Plus and the DA will be maintained or support during this election. became apparent when Mr increased during the 2006 Botha also regards voter’s Oosthuizen commented to local government elections, a supporting the opposition as the media that if the DA is
37 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 concerned about dividing the Free State. One of these democratic process and can opposition the “party (DA) placards or posters reads as be regarded as being nothing would stay away from the follows: less than democracy in wards which the FF Plus BLACK GOVERNMENT = practice – the process took from the DA because FAILED. CHOOSE RIGHT. through which ordinary participation in these wards STAY AWAY! citizens can exercise an would, by implication, influence on how they are divide the opposition” Mr Jan van der Merwe, an governed. (Coetzee, 2006:1). ANC candidate and member of the ANC’s provincial Voting Process The Dikwankwetla Party of management stated that South Africa (DPSA) is a posters of this nature are The voting process for the smaller party with some “clearly racist and borders on 2006 local government influence in the Eastern Free hate speech” (Fourie, elections went ahead quite State. The DPSA was 2006:1). Mr Andries Botha, smoothly as the Independent formed in 1974 and was the leader of the DA in the Free Electoral Commission had ruling party in the then Qwa State also condemned the guidelines on what to do and Qwa homeland. The party is poster and said that he felt what not to do at the polling lead by Moetapele Lebesa. that the HNP’s actions were stations. According to the The party has ten councillors irresponsible. Mr Abrie IEC, “the voting process has in Maluti-a-Phofung and Oosthuizen, leader of the proceeded smoothly three in Thabo Freedom Front Plus in the throughout the country” Mofutsanyana. The DPSA is Free State, stated that posters (IOL 2006a:1). also the official opposition in of this nature will have no two district municipalities. effect on the 2006 election. The only major problem The party has altogether 153 experienced in the Free State candidates in the above Mr Herman Toerien, from took place at the Mohokare mentioned district the ACDP, stated that the Municipality (Zastron, municipalities and also in all absolute racist approach or Rouxville & Smithfield) the 45 wards of Mangaung. tone of the poster was a where ballot papers had been The DPSA’s campaign cause for concern. Mr Piet swapped from one town to slogan has been structured Oosthuizen, one of the three the other (IOL 2006b: 2). around corruption and deputy chairpersons of the ANC party agent Mxolisi efficient local government. HNP responded that the Dukwane was of the opinion The aim of the party is to party regards the present that the elections had taken someday obtain a position in government as “illegal place in a good spirit and the Free State Legislature because F.W. de Klerk never “the turn out was not (Coetzee, 2006:4). held a referendum as necessarily positive in many promised to allow the people areas. People waited until the Twelve years after the to express their views about last minute to vote” (IOL introduction of South the changes to the 2006b:1). Voting took place Africa’s new dispensation, constitution”. This viewpoint between 7h00 and 19h00 at each election provides a has received opposition from the voting station where one glimpse into the past and the the ANC and other had registered as a voter with Herstigte Nasionale Party opposition parties alike in ones name appearing on the (HNP) still puts up posters to the Free State (Fourie, voters roll (The Star, 28 advise people not to go and 2006:1). February 2006:6). Some vote. This was the case just stations in Bloemfontein had prior to the 2006 local Elections are often thought remained open after the government elections in the of as the heart of the deadline but everyone who
38 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 joined the queue before the stations. These observers can must indicate the total ballot 19h00 deadline would be take the form of party agents boxes received; total ballot allowed to vote, as the IEC and each party may be boxes used; and total unused could allow people to vote represented by two political ballot boxes. The second until midnight (IOL party agents who have been part of the form is used to 2006a:1). accredited by the IEC and indicate the total ballot are expected to observe the papers received; the total The number of ballot papers election and the counting ballot papers issued; the total that a voter received, procedure. At the end of the ballot papers not issued; and depends on the type of counting procedure, they the total ballot papers municipality in which the sign the results slip before cancelled (IEC Municipal voter resided (The Star, 28 the results of the election in Elections Forms, 2000:4-8). February 2006:6). their polling station are According to the Free State announced. Observers No problem was experienced Electoral Officer Mr Chris observe the elections at any polling station in the Mepha, the figures for the impartially and Free State regarding the voter registration was much independently of any secrecy of the ballot. higher than the voter turnout registered party or candidate However, when it came to and could be ascribed to the contesting the poll (The Star, the voting by blind voters, following two main reasons: 28 February 2006:6).Polling one had to rely on the trust First, people are not stations in Mangaung, of the person bringing the interested in local Malulti-a-Phofung, blind person to the polling government and secondly, Matjhabeng, Nala and station as not all blind people people are unhappy about the Phumelela stayed open after were able to read Braille. lack of service delivery 19h00 as a result of long When accompanied by a (Interview with Mr Mepha queues (IOL 2006c:1). There minor, the blind person was 19 April 2006). According were 1186 polling stations in assisted by the Presiding to the ANC’s Mr Dukwane, the Free State Province Officer and Party Agent in there was still a need for (Interview with Mr Mepha the polling booth in order to voter education emphasising 19 April 2006). ensure that the correct ballot the importance of voting; box was crossed (Interview “They need to understand Secrecy of the Ballot with Mr Mepha 19 April that voting is a right and 2006). gives them power and that if The secrecy of the ballot is they stay away it is not good guaranteed through the Security at the Voting for democracy” (IOL signing of a MEC2 Form in Station 2006c:1). ACDP leader Mr this regard by all the voting Casper Nortier was unhappy staff working at the voting Police and the army were on about the low turnout saying station during the elections. standby during the elections. that “it is as if people are A person who has not Police were ready for any disillusioned and all parties completed this form will not eventuality regarding the should be worried” (IOL be allowed to work at a local government elections. 2006c:1). voting and/or counting The Free State liason officer, station. After the close of senior superintendent Sam Polling Stations voting, the presiding officer Sesing said that all 1186 must complete the MEC11 voting locations were closely The freeness and fairness of Form before the counting monitored and any elections are further process can begin. In terms information regarding the guaranteed by the presence of the first section of this election was carefully of observers at the polling form, the presiding officer examined. In this manner the
39 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 safety of the electorate was Events on Election Day reason for voters not to cast assured. Because the police their votes (Internet wanted to secure a free and Mr Chris Mepha, head of the 2006…..Some Bloem voters) fair election in the Free IEC, said that by 6 pm on State, members of the police Wednesday the registered Some poling stations in were present, not only at pre- voter turnout in the Free Bloemfontein had not election gatherings but also State stood at 22.8 percent. It opened by 8.30 am. The at voting locations during the was reported by officials that Grootrvlei Motors polling elections. Before the polling 301109 voters had voted by station at Rodebeck had not stations opened on the day of 8 pm. This was a large opened because they were the elections, polling stations decline from the 1,3 milion still waiting for voting boxes were searched for voters who had registered for and stands. Voters calmly explosives. Members of the the 2006 elections. Mepha accepted the situation and police force were available said that due to long queues, either sat on the ground to escort all relevant voting voting stations in Manguang, outside the polling station or material so that irregularities Maluti-a Phofung, on chairs, some voters even could be avoided. Sesing Matjhabeng, Nala and had umbrellas. Several advised the public to report Phumelela had stayed open voters arrived at the polling any suspicious incident or past 7 pm. Most parties station at 3.30 am and so behaviour to the police. The agreed that the elections were not happy with the police and army played an went well but the low voter delay because they had other important role which turnout was a point of commitments such as having contributed positively to concern to most parties. Mr to go to work. In the Qwa making the local municipal Mxolisi Dukwane Qwa region, the IEC elections free and fair as well commented on the good reported minor delays at as safe (Viljoen, 2006:1). A spirit of the elections but Harrismith where the ballot senior superintendent of the added that voter education papers had been delivered police in the Eastern Free was needed. late. (Internet, 2006: Some State said that there had been Bloem voters have to wait of no reported violent incidents The voters needed to polls). related to the elections in this understand the importance of area. He said that there were voting and that it empowered Despite heavy rains and two police officers as well as them. They also need to uprisings in the rural areas army personnel deployed at understand that voter apathy voting in the Eastern Free each voting station. is not conducive with nor is State occurred on schedule. it good for democracy A few polling stations (Internet, 2006…Long opened late, Mr Lucas He was also pleased to report queues at). Premier Beatrice Mkwanee, election officer of that areas which had been Marshoff cast her ballot at the Free State’s local subjected to violent the Doubell voting station in municipality which includes outbreaks such as had Heidadal in Bloemfontein. Bloemspruit, Clocolan, occurred in areas such as This voting station ran Ficksburg, Gumtree, Warden, Memel, Vrede and smoothly and was on the Libertas, Marquard, Harrysmith, during the 2004 quiet side. She encouraged Moemaneng and Senekal, municipal elections had been voters to cast their ballots said that Election Day was peaceful. In 2005 there been and she expressed the wish largely quiet and uneventful. violent disruptions and that a large number of voters By lunch time 20 729 people protest action in Frankfurt would to cast their votes. She had voted. Most polling but this area was also even commented that as it stations opened on time peaceful (Van Wyk, 2006:1). did not rain she saw no except for the Berlinhall in
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Ficksburg which only Mr Keiser Maxztshwa the rains the roads had turned opened at 7:40. The reason municipal voting official of into mud. Despite these for this was that the bridge Nkatoara said that 8600 problems, voters had already had washed away (Van Wyk, people had voted at 38 started to queue very early in 2006:1). voting stations in the area. order to cast their ballots. This area includes Arlington, The people hoped that by Mr Vikie Mhbele, project Blydskap, Danielsrus, voting they would indicate coordinator of the IEC in Kaallaagte, lindley, their trust that the Bethlehem said that by 13.00 Middenin, Petrussteyn and municipality would heed on the day of the election Reitz. (Van Wyk, 2006:1). their requests for service 12298 voters had cast their delivery and a betterment of ballots in the Dihlaberg In the Mefube municipal their living conditions. An municipal area. This area area, Fikile Radebe, the example is that they are includes Bethlehem, Clarens, project coordinator of the obliged to share one tap for Fouriesburg, Kraaifontein, IEC in Mafube, said that the water and have no suitable Paul Roux, Rosendal and residing officer’s vehicle got sanitation facilities. For Valsrivier stuck in the mud with the voters to reach the voting result that a voting station in station, they had to use the The municipal voting official the area, Boompie-Alleen, muddy roads which are, in Delta Kganyago said that in opened ten minutes late. By some places, filled with large the Maluti-A Phofung area lunch time, 27 of the voting pools of water. There were which includes Aberfeldy, stations in this area had been no party candidates to greet Harrismith, Kestell, visited by 326 voters. (Van one but the voters had the Namahadi. Phuthadithjaba, Wyk, 2006:1). utmost faith that their vote Swinburne and Witsieshoek, on the ballot paper would voting day went smoothly. Mr Liba the municipal bring relief. By 13.30, on election day, 27 voting official said that in 383 voters had already cast the Mantnapa local In Heidadal and Bochabela their ballots. She had added municipality, which includes areas, voters, especially the that minor problems had Allandale, Exelsior, elderly, dressed in their resulted from the polling Hobhouse, Kommisiepoort, Sunday best, arrived very stations which had opened Ladybrand, Marseilles, early at the polling stations. late. Harrismith opened 25 Modderpoort, Thaba There was an atmosphere of minutes late while Eeram Phatsura, Tweespruit and excitement under the waiting was 30 minutes late and Westminster, elections were voters with lively debates, Aberfeldy 10 minutes. (Van conducted in a peaceful concerning the elections. Wyk, 2006:1). manner. This compared Some voters were adamant favourably with the last that they had faith that their In many areas heavy rains national election. He said vote would definitely count had washed away roads and that by 13:00 at least 10 000 while others debated for bridges were flooded. Where voters had voted at the 27 whom they should vote. this affected the delivery of polling stations (Van Wyk, Troms, an elderly voter, voting material to places that 2006:1). reasoned that it was could not be reached by advisable to come before road, special arrangements Voter Behaviour 7.00 to cast her vote. She were made to transport the said that she was led to necessary material by army De Wet (2006:9) visited believe that her vote helicopter and police four Hanipark in Welkom to asses influenced water, housing wheel drive vehicles (Van the situation at the polling and pension facilities. She Wyk, 2006:1). station. As a result of heavy was born in 1920 and
41 election update 2006 South Africa number 2 although she is not young women to communicate with elections however, revealed she reasoned that by voting parties and candidates had to an increased support for the she adds her contribution to be repeated. The equal ANC who now have tabled the state. This was the participation of women in an extensive plan in which general attitude among the political activities had to be local government is to be elderly at the voting station. facilitated. Finally women strengthened and problems Another elderly gentleman, should have free access to resolved. Mr Smith, decided that he public meetings, marches, would vote for service demonstrations, rallies, and References delivery. He said that the any other political event. Coetzee. G. 2006. Partye in VS, government had called on Also dealt with were the NK, reg vir verkiesing. Volksblad. the people to vote and by implications of the electoral 27 February, p1. doing so, this is a call on the systems on women’s government to deliver participation. Parties play the Coetzee. G. 2006 Vs en Nk gereed om te stem Weermag kan ONK services. most important role in met helipokter help. Volksblad 1 determining who stands as a Maart 2006 p1. There was a decided candidate. Political parties difference in the voting areas were encouraged to ensure Coetzee G. 2006. Partye in VS, Nk reg vir verkiesings. of Heidedal and Bochebela. that 50% of party candidates http//152.111.1.251/argief/berigte/ Heidedal where voters are women. These guidelines volksblad/2006/02/28/VB/4/polge appeared at a trickle support President Mbeki’s party.html throughout the day, while views that South Africa has Coetzee, G en Joubert J. Stemmery voters at Bochabela already taken huge steps in the verloopvlot, dog traag. Volksblad. started to queue before 7.00. emancipation of women in 2 Maart 2006. p1 By the time the polling the recent municipal station had opened long elections. The number of De Wet, T. 2006 Hanipark… hier is niks behalwe hoop en geloof. queues had already women has substantially Kruisie op stembrief bring dalk developed at the various increased in the municipal beter more. Volksblad. 2 Maart polling stations. Despite the elections (Mepha, 2006. 24- 2006. p9. long queues, the voters were 25). Former NNP leader joins DA. cheerful and did not mind 2006. IOL. waiting to cast their ballots. Conclusion (http:/www.iol.co.za/general/news/ Even the disabled were full newsprint.php?art_id=qw1140268 of hope that their vote would In conclusion, it can be said 141828B242&sf= Accessed on 28 contribute to obtaining the that many parts of the Free April 2006) assistance for the disabled State, especially the Eastern Fourie, M. 2006. HNP se plakkaat (Van der Berg.2006:2). Free State regions. had been laat ‘wrang smaak in mond’. characterised by instability Volksblad Gender was also a very due to the citizen protests (http://152.111.1.251/argief/berigte important issue. According against the lack of service /volksblad/2006/03/02/VB/9/mfH NP.html Accessed on 28 April to a workshop presented by delivery and corruption. 2006) Mr Chris Mepha about the Despite this factor, voting state of readiness for local day occurred in a peaceful, IEC, July 2000. Handbook 4: government elections, calm manner. Voters who Municipal Election Forms for Voting and Counting. Pretoria: gender issues were on the did vote were optimistic that IEC table to be discussed. Clear their vote would count to guidelines were outlined for improve conditions. A matter IEC Local Government Elections all parties and candidates. of concern to all parties was 2000. (http://www.elections.org.za/iecwe There were three stipulations the low turnout at polls b/Other/LGE_Reports_LeadParty_ which needed to be adhered especially among young Free State.html - accessed to. Firstly, the right of voters. The day of the 4/18/2006).
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Interview with Mr Chris Mepha, Smooth sailing as SA citizens go Electoral Officer – FS, 19 April to the polls. 2006. IOL: 2006 (http://www.iol.co.za/general/news /newsprint.php?art_id=qw1141247 Local Government Elections 2006 884504B263&sf= Accessed on Guidelines on Government 4/6/2006) Communication during election period. Bulletin – Department of Some Bloem voters have to wait Defence, 20 January 2006; No for polls. 2006. http: 05/06. www.iol.co.za/general/newsprint.p hp?art.id=qw1141201083117B242 Long queues at Free State polling &sf= Accessed on 26/04/2006) stations. 2006 IOL: (http://www.iol.co.za/general/news The Star, 28 February 2005, p. 6. /newsprint.php?art_id=qw1141247 886252B242&sf= Accessed on Van der Berg, R. 2006 Veral 3/31/2006). bejaardes glo hul stem tel. Die Volksblad. 2 Maart 2006. p2. Mepha, C. 11 January 2006. State of readiness for local government Van Wyk, J. 2006. VS- elections. Presentation to Free plaaswerkers haak vas met State Media Workshop – stemmery Verward oor waar hulle Bloemfontein kruisie moet trek. Volksblad. 2 Maart 2006. Municipal Elections 2000. Published by the IEC, December Van Wyk, S. 2006. Stemmery in 2000. Oos-VS verloop grootsliks glad. Volksblad. 2 March 2006. Municipal Elections 2006. http//152.111.1.251/argief/berigte/ (http://www.elections.org.za/Muni volksblad/2006/03/03/VB/2 cipal Elections2006.asp – accessed 0osstem.html.1. 16 February 2006). Versluis, JM. 2006 Bykans 4200 Municipal Elections. 2006 – soorte stembriewe gedruk. Candidates per province per ballot. Volksblad, 28 February 2006: 11. FS-IEC 2006a. Viljoen, M. 2006. Polisie gereed Municipal Elections. 2006 – vir verkiesings. Volksblad. Parties Contesting Per Province. http//152.111.1.251.argief/berigte/ FS-IEC 2006b. volksblad/2006/02/07/VB/2 mvpolis.html. Accessed on New plan for Free State 29/04/2006.) municipality – MEC. IOL. Internet (http//www.iol.co.za/grneral/news/ newsprint.php&artid=qw11432136 66193B242&sf= Accessed on 26/04/2006).
Nzapheza, V. Electoral body a key cog in smooth running of polls. The Citizen, 23 January 2006, p. 5.
SA votes in low-key elections. 2006. IOL: (http://www.iol.co.za/general/news /newsprint.php?art_id=qw1141225 921103B254&sf= Accessed on 4/6/2006)
Sauer, D. 2006 OVK is gereed vir verkiesing. Volksblad, 21 February 2006.
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