Nquthu by-elections: No major incidents reported, says IEC
The Independent Electoral Commission says they're pleased with the level of cooperation it's received from its staff, voters and political parties so far in the Nquthu by-elections.
Votes have been cast since 7am and there've been no major incidents reported.
During a media briefing earlier, Deputy Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission, Terry Tselane said if there were complaints received from parties around the voting process they would deal with them.
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"We have to check the facts and establish exactly what happened. We can't just take what the political parties are saying without us investigating it. We have confidence in all the people appointed. Once this has been formally brought to our attention, we will establish the circumstances," he said.
The IEC addresses media on the #Nquthu elections. Says no major hiccups have been reported so far. pic.twitter.com/FnYZX0fppr
— Steve Bhengu (@SteveBhengu) May 24, 2017
Meanwhile, the alleged bussing in of supporters to Nquthu has come under the spotlight. The IFP has made allegations against the ANC, while the ANC says the opposition party was making up allegations because it was smelling defeat.
The IEC's Terry Tselane has addressed the issue.
"It's irrelevant how you get there during the voting. During registration, it becomes an issue if a person is ferried from one area, particularly if its outside the area, with the intention of influencing the outcome of the election," he said.
There's police presence at polling stations in the municipality's 17 wards.
In total, 325 councillors are representing various political parties to contest the 33 council seats.