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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 09 Nov 2008 Title: IEC encouraged by potential voters' turnout -------------------- By Nthambeleni Gabara Pretoria - The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by potential voters on the first day of voter registration. IEC Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Advocate Pansy Tlakula said with a few exceptions all 19 713 voting stations countrywide were opened on Saturday for the two-day voter registration weekend. According to Ms Tlakula, the IEC website has recorded a total of 108 784 hits on Saturday, while the SMS facility received 92 003 messages. She said the Call Centre had received 22 500 by midday from callers enquiring about their registration status or at which voting station they should register. "We appreciate the patience exercised by South Africans when contacting the IEC through its call centre, SMS and website to access voter registration information. "Usage of these facilities is still at a high level but everything is being done to manage the volumes currently experienced," she said. However, due to wind and heavy rains in some areas, temporary voting stations posed a challenge. Tents were blown over and had to be re-erected. In some instances where voting stations could not be accessed members of the community assisted including a farmer in the Free State. She said the IEC was also pleased to announce that voting stations in Merafong have opened and the registration process went on smoothly. "The people of Merafong are applauded for their commitment to open political activity and electoral processes," she said. The CEO said isolated incidences of community protest or intimidation have been reported in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Limpopo province. These incidents were mostly related to socio-economic and political issues, according to the IEC. The new bar-coded scanners (Zip-Zip) have optimised the efficiency of registration. In most instances voters were able to register in less than five minutes. Voting stations will be opened on Sunday from 8am until 5pm for voter registration. - BuaNews |
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