A total of 304,221 people visited voting stations nationwide during the first day of the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) two-day voter registration weekend drive ahead of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

Of these, 55,019 were registering for the first time, according to the IEC. Today, the online voter registration portal recorded over 20 325 (7 234 new) voter registration transactions.

ALSO READ: It’s all systems go for voter registration weekend drive, says IEC

A SEAMLESS START 2ND VOTER REGISTRATION WEEKEND DRIVE

“The Electoral Commission reports a seamless start, with over 99% of stations operational within minutes of the commencement time of 08h00. We thank the 68 718 electoral officers for their duty to the country.”

“This early turnout not only sets a positive tone for the registration period but also serves as a testament that citizens remain engaged with affairs of their country,” said the Commission.

ALSO READ: IEC reaches milestone of 27 million registrations on voters’ roll

JUST UNDER 200,000 NEW REGISTRATIONS RECORDED SINCE LAST NOVEMBER, SAYS IEC

It says that the online registration platform continues to prove that it is the mainstay of registrations between general voter registration weekends.

“We recorded just under 200,000 new registrations since the registration weekend in November 2023.” 

“We urge voters who may have had a less than pleasant experience using the online platform to try again. The online portal remains available 24 hours a day until the day the elections are proclaimed,” the Commission added.

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IEC REACHES 27 MILLION MILESTONE ON VOTERS’ ROLL

The IEC says this weekend’s important registration activity comes on the back of two significant achievements by the Commission.

The first achievement is reaching a milestone of 27 million voters on the national voters’ roll for the first time in history.

Secondly, the IEC recorded just under 200,000 new registrations since the registration weekend in November 2023.

ALSO READ: KZN religious leaders threaten IEC if ANC stays in power

IEC ENCOURAGES ALL SA CITIZENS TO VOTE IN 2024 ELECTIONS

“The Electoral Commission extends sincere appreciation to the citizens of this great nation for their enthusiastic participation.”

“Whether you are a first-time participant or a seasoned voter, we encourage all South Africans to seize this historic moment by registering and casting their votes in the forthcoming elections,” the Commission added.

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