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IEC says it is ready for special voting on 2 and 3 November

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Ongoing: Elections Hot

The Electoral Commission of South Africa expects 2.6 million people to cast special votes, including the elderly and people with disabilities. The commission also opened its national results operation centre in Midrand ahead of the local government elections on 4 November.

IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo said the commission will make over 600,000 home visits on 2 and 3 November. He said: "Remarkably, 80% of home visits are to voters over the age of 60." Women account for 74% of approved special votes.

The results centre in Midrand will receive, verify and announce results. Mamabolo said the commission added technological upgrades and independent audits. He said the audits found problems that the commission has since fixed, and that five political parties reviewed the system with no material findings.

The commission said 29.2 million voters are registered. It has bought 40,000 voter management devices and is bringing 14,000 more into use. About 888,000 staff will run voting at 23,000 voting stations.

Key facts

Who
Sy Mamabolo (IEC CEO); Electoral Commission of South Africa (election management body that declared its results centre ready)
What
IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo said technological upgrades, independent audits and additional voter management devices were implemented to ensure electoral efficiency. The commission said 29.2-million voters are registered and it has made the necessary preparations for the elections.
When
28 October 2026
Where
South Africa, Midrand
Status
Reported

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