This, after the ANC in the province demanded that these ballot papers, which include special votes from the Siyancuma Local Municipality, be recounted. In a letter directed to the ANC's Provincial Executive Committee's (PEC) provincial secretary, Deshi Ngxanga, the IEC says "having investigated the matter, the Commission is satisfied that this was an error committed by electoral staff.

The commission has considered the objection concerning the 24 special voters who voted on ballot papers not stamped at the back.

The IEC further says in the circumstances, the commission has resolved to uphold the objection, deem the 24 special vote ballot papers to be stamped at the back, be duly counted and amend the results in terms of the Electoral Act, as may be necessary.

This has, however, been met with anger from independent candidates and various political parties in that area.

In the objection, there is no allegation that this resulted from fraudulent behaviour on the part of the electoral staff either.

The IEC previously bemoaned the late opening of a few of the 621 voting stations for special votes.

IEC spokesperson, Elken Topken, told OFM News at the Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Kimberley that although this happened, the incident is really not unusual, especially during events such as the elections.

He added that unlike the rest of the country, the province was successful with the special vote turnout as 40% of 93 000 special voters had been able to cast their votes on Saturday. "The more successful area was our home visits. We had 60% of the 32 000 home visits that we were able to process on Saturday."

OFM News previously reported that the province had approximately 623 000 registered voters.

There were 728 voting stations across the province, stretching from Port Nolloth, down to Sutherland, Colesburg, and up to Heuningvlei.

OFM News