The North West has recorded an increase in the number of special votes registered for the 2026 Local Government Elections compared with the previous local government elections.
Provincial Electoral Officer Bonolo Modise said the increase indicated greater interest among residents in participating in the electoral process.
Providing an update on Election Day, Modise noted that the number of special votes registered this year was considerably higher than during the previous local government elections.
The increase comes as eligible voters across the province head to voting stations to elect representatives who will serve in their respective municipalities.
Modise also reported that most voting stations had opened on time, allowing community members to cast their ballots as early as possible.
Although some stations did not begin voting as scheduled, she said there had been no major logistical challenges at most voting stations.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Electoral Officer cautioned against drawing conclusions about voter turnout while voting was still underway.
She explained that the extremely hot weather conditions could influence when residents chose to visit voting stations, with more voters potentially expected later in the day.
According to Modise, it was difficult at that stage to determine which municipalities were recording higher or lower voter turnout.
A clearer picture of participation across the province is expected once voting stations close and the Electoral Commission consolidates the figures.
While the increase in special votes reflects participation in the special voting process, the final turnout figures will provide a broader picture of voter participation in the 2026 elections.
