Only a few hours left to vote

7 May 2014

Government calls upon all citizens who have not yet voted in the country’s fifth democratic elections to make their way to voting stations. Stations will close at 9pm and those queuing within the precinct will be allowed to vote.

We are pleased that South Africans in their millions have heeded the call to vote, and have conducted themselves in an orderly and respectful manner.

The Department of Home Affairs is satisfied with the number of citizens that continue to visit their offices to apply for temporary ID certificates and to collect uncollected ID documents and smart ID cards. Three hundred and thirteen (313) Home Affairs offices across the country have been open since 7am to assist the public with enabling documents so that they can exercise their democratic right to vote. These offices will remain open until 9pm in line with the voting hours declared by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). 

Home Affairs urges members of the public who have applied for barcoded ID’s and smart ID cards to collect them now. The Department recognises the inconvenience that may have been caused by an earlier technical glitch that affected a few offices, arising from online verification. The Department would like to assure the public that the problem has now been resolved.

Government is encouraged by the swift manner in which isolated incidents that could have impacted the smooth running of elections, have been resolved. We are confident that all citizens will continue to cast their vote in a safe and secure environment.    

Acting GCIS CEO, Phumla Williams said, “Voting stations will be closing at 9pm. We urge voters not to wait until the last minute, but to cast their vote as soon as possible.”

Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139

Issued by: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)