First poll result announced

The IEC has announced the first election result, with the DA taking 45.45 percent of votes in Great Kei in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape.

The first result has been announced at the IEC national results centre, with the DA taking 45.45 percent of votes in a single voting district in Ward 6 in Great Kei in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape, to the ANC’s 31.28 percent.

Independents took 22.73 percent.

The result was announced by IEC chairman Glen Mashinini, who says it is “a moment of pride” for him to do so.

Just 22 voters cast their ballots in this voting district, explaining its first place in results being recorded.

The IEC says it has just finished consulting its provincial electoral officers and word on the ground is the majority of voting stations have closed, with about 10 percent still operating to accommodate those still in the queue.

No extensions have been granted to voting hours, meaning no late arrivals will be allowed to vote.

Meanwhile the ANC has encouraged voters still in the queue to stick it out and be sure to make their cross, despite the cold weather.

“We are encouraged that despite adverse weather conditions, patriotic South Africans are displaying resilience by remaining in the queue,” the ANC says.

Political Bureau