MIDRAND - An Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) presiding officer collapsed and died at a voting station in Mahikeng during the first day of special voting for the 2026 Local Government Elections, which got underway on Monday.
Another official, a deputy presiding officer from Gauteng, was hospitalised after she was involved in a car accident.
The IEC confirmed that the Gauteng official remains in hospital.
Additionally, the Commission has provided necessary support to affected officials who were at the stations and the family of the deceased.
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Despite the two incidents, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the IEC, Sy Mamabolo, reported that the IEC recorded a strong performance of special votes across the country.
Special Voting concluded at 5pm on Monday, with Mamabolo expressing satisfaction with the day's proceedings.
But the day was not without hustles.
Earlier, it was reported that 217 voting stations in Cape Town opened later than scheduled due to delays in the delivery of ballots.
READ | Special voting hit by delays as 217 Cape Town stations open late
The IEC attributed the issue to ballot reprinting and delivery delays. But Mamabolo confirmed that this issue has been attended to.
“We are pleased to announce that subsequently, all affected voting stations opened and remained operational," he said.
Mambolo has also issued a final call to approved special voters to cast their ballot on Tuesday.
Voting stations are expected to open from 8am to 5pm.
Mambolo said those who fail to make use of this final special vote opportunity will only be able to vote on 4 November at the same voting stations they registered at.
Meanwhile, voters approved for home visits are urged to remain at the addresses provided in their application.