/ 21 April 2009

Poll: ANC will keep its two-thirds majority

The African National Congress (ANC) will retain its two-thirds majority, according to an Ipsos-Markinor poll published on Tuesday.

The African National Congress (ANC) will retain its two-thirds majority, according to an Ipsos-Markinor poll published in Beeld newspaper on Tuesday.

Opposition parties did not use the opportunity to sway undecided voters, researchers found in the poll which was conducted for Media24.

Ipsos-Markinor analyst Anneke Greyling said the results, based on interviews with 3 500 eligible voters, showed that the ANC might have lost some support, but would still retain a two-thirds majority.

It predicted that the ANC would get 67% of the vote as opposed to its 69% in general elections in 2004.

Its predictions for other parties are: Democratic Alliance (13%, up from 12% in the last elections), Congress of the People (11%), Inkatha Freedom Party (3,5%, down from 7%), Independent Democrats (1,5%, down from 1,7%), United Democratic Movement (1%, down from 2%), African Christian Democratic Party (1%, down from 2%) and the Freedom Front Plus (1%, the same as in the last elections).

Lost ballot probe underway
Meanwhile chief electoral officer Pansy Tlakula said on Tuesday that the outcome of an investigation into ballot papers that were found on a road in Mpumalanga will be known by mid-morning.

”I was on the phone with Commissioner Andre Pruis, a special team of investigators [are investigating] a number of issues, firstly, ballot papers are supposed to be escorted by the police, secondly, we have to look at the van that was used — whether it can open on its own — we have to look at also the road, whether it was bumpy.

”At this point and time we are waiting for the outcome of the investigation and we will know by mid-morning today [Tuesday] exactly what transpired,” Tlakula told South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) radio news.

The papers were allegedly found on Sunday on a main road in Mpumalanga by a DA member.

It was not immediately known how many ballot papers had been found.

KZN special voting underway
In Mpumalanga’s neighbouring province, KwaZulu-Natal, 4 187 voting stations opened their doors at 9am, as they did on Monday when special votes began.

Special votes cast on Monday and Tuesday would be kept in a safe place and counted with the ballots of the about 23 million other voters expected to make their cross on Wednesday.

On the eve of South Africa’s general elections, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials were preparing for the main election day.

Provincial electoral officer Mawethu Mosery said Doors would be closed at 5pm.

Between April 1 and 14, the IEC in KwaZulu-Natal had received 9 114 special vote applications but the figure was expected to double by Tuesday as those who were unable to apply were given an extension on Monday.

The highest number of applicants — 3 400 — came from the Durban metro area.

Mosery on Tuesday was unable to provide the number of new applications received on Monday. The results would be known around midday.

Special votes applied to those in hospitals and old age homes as well as those who were disabled.

IEC officials, police and the military were also given the special vote, but did not have to make an application.

They could simply walk into a voting station and vote. — Sapa