Setbacks overcome

National election day on Wednesday, 29 May, took place without any major glitches in Welkom.

Some stations in Matjhabeng opened later than expected and there were also issues with ballot papers arriving late.

At the Welkom High School, the queues were short and voters waited no longer than five minutes to make their crosses. From the front are Anele Tshandu, Petro Viljoen, Thuntshi Mosia and Rantsane Floorman.Photo: Marti Will

At each of the polling stations in Matjhabeng, friendly police officers and officials of the Electoral Commission (IEC) assisted voters through their voting journey. Here are Vayani Giladile (left) of the IEC and Sgt. Michael Teboho Rapiletsa.Photo: Marti Will

The queues at Mmantshebo Primary School, Ward 12 in THabong, were not long, and voters werfe quickly assisted. Photo: Supplied

Still, voters streamed to the various polling stations throughout the local municipality.

Queues were long, but flowed freely once the process started.

Voting statistics released in Welkom spark interest when one looks at the individual wards, with the DA indicating a voting presence of between 45% and 67% across the board.

In Welkom, voters made their cross for national (ANC 47,37% and DA 27,60%), provincial (ANC 46,11% and DA 29,03%), and regional (ANC 44,97% and DA 28,66%) representation.

In some wards, regionally, there were deviations with votes for the ANC and DA. For instance, St Helena has 67,48% for the DA and 14% for the ANC, Dagbreek at 49% and 27%, Thabong Library at 28,33% and 22,62%, and New Stands 22,62% and 28,33%.