The 2004 elections in Gauteng will be a lot better run than in 1999, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in Gauteng said on Monday.
Provincial IEC electoral officer Gugu Matlaopane said the number of voting stations in the province had increased, and more than 30 000 election workers would be employed on the day around the province.
Pre-election logistics had also gone smoothly. The distribution of voting materials was on track, as were arrangements for special votes.
Monday was the last day to apply for special votes, and Matlaopane said a large proportion of the 15 163 people who were unable to reach the voting stations on Wednesday had already been visited at their homes.
”Unlike in 1994, Gauteng goes into the years election with no major political conflict,” said Matlaopane.
The complaints received by the IEC had mostly been about poster vandalism and had all been resolved amicably. Only once, when Deputy President Jacob Zuma was visiting hostels, had any party been unable to campaign freely, she said.
Security officers would be deployed at all stations, with extra security in the hot spot municipalities of Ekurhuleni, Emfuleni, Westonaria and Kungwini.
”Members of the South African Police Services will be all over, in uniform and not. I don’t think there is opportunity for anyone to create problems,” said Matlaopane.
She said her main worry on the day would be the 442 tented temporary voting stations. If it rained or was too hot there might be problems.
Gauteng is the biggest voting province, with a quarter of the registered voters in the country.
”As regards voter education we are very proud. We have done extremely well.”
She was upbeat about turnout on the day: ”we have 4,9-million registered people in Gauteng and I expect 4,9-million people to come and cast their vote,” she said. – Sapa