2019 Elections: Newsflash: Minor protests delay opening of polling stations By Yanga Sibembe
Speaking at the National Results Operation Centre in Pretoria, the Independent Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Office, Sy Mamabolo, told media that “election day got underway to a very positive start today”.
The IEC said 10% of the 22,924 voting stations were not open by the 7am starting time. By 11.30am 17 voting stations remained unopened, 14 of these were on the southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal. There were protests in Dithakong West in the North West too, but these were minor and non-violent, with protesters lighting a bonfire on the side of the road and chatting to police officials, telling them they are not going to vote. “Look at our roads,” said one individual pointing out a dust road. “In my house, I don’t have electricity. I’m not voting.”
Zwane said other protests were reported along the N2 near Umgababa and the Folweni/Umbumbulu road but had been cleared. He said there were also protests in the Reservoir Hills and Mayville areas. “Police are currently monitoring the area.”
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