IEC thanks voters for their patience in long queues

The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to thank everyone who waited in long queues at voting stations across the country on Wednesday May 29.

As millions of South Africans took to the polls to make their mark in the National and Provincial Elections, many faced long, snaking queues, reminiscent of the first democratic elections in 1994.

Addressing the media on Thursday afternoon, May 30, IEC deputy CEO Masego Sheburi said the commission attended to most of the reported incidents of voting stations not opening due to challenges with voter management devices.

“While the polls closed at 9pm all citizens who were in the line were allowed to vote, and on site security services ensured that all voting and counting processes were concluded safely. To everyone who waited in line to vote, thank you for your patience,” Mr Masego said.

The commission also expressed its gratitude to officials who worked hard and long hours to make sure Election Day was a success.

The first results in the elections started trickling in around 2am on Thursday May 30. Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said results may take longer to filter through than in the past because there are three ballot papers instead of two.