IEC satisfied with first day of special voting ahead of Election Day

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the first day of special voting, saying the process created a solid foundation for the second day of voting and Election Day.

Special voting closed at 5pm on Monday, 2 November 2026, after voting stations across the country facilitated eligible voters.

Earlier in the day, the commission reported a generally smooth process nationwide, although some voting stations in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality experienced delays due to the late distribution of ballot papers.

The IEC confirmed that all affected stations subsequently opened and remained operational.

The commission thanked voters, political parties, candidates and election officials for their cooperation, including personnel responsible for conducting approved home visits.

Final opportunity for special voting

The IEC has urged approved voters who have not yet cast their special votes to visit their designated voting stations on Tuesday, 3 November.

Voting stations will operate from 8am to 5pm, marking the final day of special voting.

The commission said voters who miss the special voting period may only vote on Wednesday, 4 November, at the voting stations where they are registered, subject to the applicable voting requirements.

Election officials will also continue conducting approved home visits for eligible voters who could not be reached on Monday.

Voters approved for home visits have been urged to remain at the addresses provided in their applications to ensure officials can locate them.

IEC warns against election interference

The commission has reminded voters to observe electoral rules to protect the secrecy, integrity and orderly conduct of the process.

Voters are prohibited from taking photographs of marked ballot papers and must complete their ballots privately in designated voting compartments.

Campaigning, canvassing, intimidation and attempts to influence voters inside voting stations are also prohibited.

The IEC has further appealed to members of the public and political party supporters not to interfere with election officials conducting home visits.

It warned that confronting electoral staff could prevent officials from reaching voters at approved addresses.

The commission also reminded the public that intimidating electoral staff or taking and posting unauthorised pictures of officials on social media constitutes a criminal offence, as stated in its notice.

Weather conditions pose challenges

The IEC said it had received reports of rainy weather in some provinces, affecting access to certain voting stations in the King Sabata Dalindyebo District.

Hot weather conditions were also reported in some areas.

Voters have been encouraged to monitor local weather conditions and take precautions to ensure their safety while exercising their right to vote.

The commission expressed appreciation to election officials, political parties, independent candidates, accredited observers and other stakeholders for their role in supporting the special voting process.