RC 261102SAfmSakina Kamwendo
Monday, 2 November 2026
Day one of special votes for the 4 November local elections was marred by Eastern Cape stations failing to open, while uncertainty over US trade access under AGOA added pressure.
- 12:03
Four Eastern Cape voting stations could not open on the first day of special votes because of community protests and torrential rain, and the IEC says it is working to get them operational.
- 12:00
Voters who miss the home visits by election officials on 2 and 3 November are not disenfranchised. They can still go to their voting station on 4 November, election day, to cast a ballot.
- 12:57
Minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa must prepare for all possible outcomes as uncertainty remains over renewal of AGOA, the US trade programme, amid strained relations with Washington.
- 12:54
Special votes can only happen on the two days set in the election timetable, so the IEC cannot extend home visits for missed voters, according to an IMSA executive director and former IEC commissioner.