Amid 'threats', IEC Eastern Cape concerned about protests disrupting elections

JOHANNESBURG - As South Africans head to the polls on Wednesday, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in the Eastern Cape says it’s concerned about protests disrupting elections in East London.
 
This after nine voting stations were delayed in opening for the second day of special votes on Tuesday, due to service delivery protests.
 
The IEC said while seven of the stations ended up operating, some voters could not cast their votes at two stations at the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality and Amahlathi Local Municipality.

READ: Masemola vows law enforcement will leave nothing to chance after disruptions at some voting stations
 
The commission's provincial manager, Khayakazi Magudumana said some challenges are expected in the two municipalities on Wednesday.
 
"There are threats that even if we do come with our tent they will actually destroy the tent because they don’t want to do anything with voting until their service delivery issues are answered."
 
Magudumana has urged community members in the affected municipalities to assist the people who could not cast their votes on Tuesday.
 
"We are appealing to family members and political parties if they could assist those people in taking them to the hospital if it's indeed people that are unable walk to a voting station."