The IEC’s first media briefing

Keelan Joshua
07 May 2014

Western Cape’s Provincial Electoral officer, Courtney Sampson this morning gave the first media briefing today. In the press statement given, Sampson gave details on some of the issues that came up.

He stated that the first hour after voting started had its fair share of problems – due to technical difficulties with scanners as well as general issues due to human error. Sampson said, however, that most of the difficulties were minor and had been resolved.

Some areas that he noted in Cape Town were Panarama, Claremont/Rondebosch as well as Barcelona in Khayelitsha. These areas had all opened late with Barcelona the area of most concern. Sampson expanded by saying that “…internal community strife emerged as an issue with the presiding officer.

We became aware of it yesterday, and our mediation team has been involved in that particular community since then.” The IEC is currently working in that area in conjunction with the South African police services.

Further out in George a voting tent has been blown down due to strong winds. The IEC tried to erect the tent again, but were advised against it by the municipality. The voting station was then moved to a container close by which houses a crèche.

Sampson noted that this was done as a last option because the container was sponsored by a political party. He did not say which party the container was sponsored by.

Overall, Courtney Sampson was positive about the progress of voting in the Western Cape. This was the first of three media briefings on the day. More details to follow.