Concerns have been raised over possible vote-rigging in North West, which might cast a shadow over the election process in the province.

ATM provincial secretary Sello Qhina expressed serious concerns over possible vote rigging. One of the most alarming reports involved the alleged tampering with ballot boxes.

Qhina said some ballot boxes allegedly arrived at voting stations with broken seals, which had been replaced with shoelaces. This issue was reported to the IEC presiding officer, who he said informed them the boxes were received in this condition from the national office.

‘IEC official was allegedly caught instructing voters’

“This irregularity has raised suspicions that individuals from other parties might be attempting to interfere with the voting process,” he said.

Adding to these concerns, Qhina mentioned an alleged incident in Rustenburg where an IEC official, who was supposed to remain neutral, was caught instructing voters on which party to support. This official was subsequently expelled from the voting station.

Another troubling occurrence took place in Kanana, where a ballot box was allegedly found to be short of 200 ballot papers during a spot check conducted by IEC agents. This discrepancy led to the immediate suspension of vote acceptance at that station and was escalated to the IEC for further investigation.

‘Ballot boxes allegedly removed without spot checks or counts’

Qhina also alleged at some stations, proper procedures were not followed, with ballot boxes being removed without spot checks or counts, and with no results slips being provided by IEC agents on site.

Counting continues in North West. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

Many voters in North West continued to flock to voting stations late yesterday, leading to some voting stations only closing early this morning.

Despite these challenges, Qhina remained hopeful the ATM would secure some seats in the North West Legislature for the first time. The party held two seats in the last parliament.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg