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Record 2.6 million special votes approved for local elections

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The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it is heartened by the rise in special votes. Nearly 10% of the 29.2 million registered voters have applied, and special voting takes place on Monday and Tuesday.

The IEC says the 2.6 million approved special votes are the highest ever. Election day is on the fourth. Special voting on Monday and Tuesday comes before it.

In the Northern Cape, over 130 000 people applied for special votes. The province had 90 000 special votes in 2021.

IEC representative Alkin Topkin said the special votes process eases the congestion and long queues expected on election day. He also said the online application process was quick and easy.

Journalist Karabo Siyoko applied for a special vote because she will work in another city during the elections. She also said the online process was quick and easy.

Key facts

Who
Electoral Commission of South Africa (election management body; says it is heartened by the increase in special votes); Karabo Siyoko; Alkin Topkin (IEC representative); Warren Engelbrecht
What
The Electoral Commission of South Africa says it is heartened by a huge increase in special votes for the 2026 Local Government Elections. Nearly 10% of the 29.2 million registered voters have applied, and special voting takes place on Monday and Tuesday before election day on the fourth.
When
29 October 2026
Where
South Africa, Northern Cape
Status
Reported

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