The Electoral Commission has ordered a revote at Bongani Gemeenskapsaal Voting District in Ward 3 of the Siyancuma Local Municipality in the Northern Cape after more than 100 ballots were cast, but uncounted ballot papers were destroyed.
In terms of Section 10 of the Municipal Electoral Act 2000, the Commission may order a revote where ballot papers are lost, destroyed or unlawfully removed before counting is completed.
“The Commission’s decision for a revote follows the storming of the counting centre and destruction of over 100 cast but uncounted ballot papers. Therefore, the revote is intended to give the affected community a fair and equal opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote,” the Commission said.
Special vote applications are open from 10 to 14 November 2026. Registered voters in the affected district may apply online through the Commission’s website, by SMS or at an IEC local office.
To apply by SMS, voters can send their identity number to 32249 at a cost of R1 per SMS. This option is available only for applications to vote at a voting station.
Eligible voters can submit their applications through the following channels:
- Online: Visit the Commission’s website at www.elections.org.za and complete the secure special vote application form.
- SMS: Send your identity number to 32249 at a cost of R1 per SMS.
- Send your identity number to 32249 at a cost of R1 per SMS. This option is available only for applications to vote at a voting station.
- IEC local offices: visit your local IEC office and submit a completed MEC 35 special vote application form.
- Applications can also be submitted in person at an IEC local office using a completed MEC 35 form. Forms must be hand-delivered; email submissions are not accepted. Another person may deliver the form on the applicant’s behalf.
Approved special voters will cast their ballots on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, from 08h00 to 17h00, at the Bongani Gemeenskapsaal Community Hall voting station or through an approved home visit.
According to the Commission, election day for the revote is Wednesday, 18 November 2026, from 07h00 to 21h00. All registered voters on the affected voting district’s roll will vote at the Bongani Community Hall voting station.
“The revote applies only to registered voters on the roll for Bongani Gemeenskapsaal Voting District. It does not include all voters in the municipality or voters in other voting districts in Ward 3,” the Commission said.
The Commission said a targeted communication campaign is underway, with Municipal Outreach Officers set to engage directly with residents about the arrangements.
“The Commission will deploy Municipal Outreach Officers to engage directly with the affected community and provide information on the revote arrangements. We urge community members to cooperate with the Commission’s Municipal Outreach Officers as they engage with residents ahead of the revote,” the Commission said.
Voters can contact the IEC Contact Centre on 0800 11 8000 for assistance on weekdays from 08h00 to 17h00. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.
