The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in the Western Cape will hold a by-election in Ward 9 of Stellenbosch Municipality next Wednesday (14 May).
Residents of the ward, which includes the Stellenbosch central business district and parts of the Stellenbosch University campus, will elect a new ward councillor following the resignation of former Ward 9 councillor Zelda Dalling.
The ward will be contested by two political-party candidates, Alysa-Abby Kekana of the ANC and Isabelle de Taillefer of the DA.
The 3 232 registered voters in the ward will cast their votes at the Stellenbosch Town Hall. Only voters who are registered and reside in Ward 9 will be eligible to cast their votes.
Special voting will take place on Tuesday 13 May, and only voters who applied and have been approved for special voting will be eligible to cast their votes at the voting station from 08:00 to 17:00.
Voters who have applied for and received an approval for a home visit because of their confinement to their residence due to health considerations will be visited by IEC staff to cast their votes at any time on Tuesday between 08:00 and 17:00.
On voting day the voting station will open from 07:00 to 21:00. All voters in the queue by the cut-off time (21:00) will be allowed to cast their votes.
Each voter must be in possession of either a green-barcoded identity book, Smartcard ID, or valid temporary identity certificate to be allowed to vote.
“The IEC wishes to remind voters of Ward 9 that they are once again given an opportunity to choose their representative in the Stellenbosch Municipal Council, and therefore it is important that they participate in the by-election,” said provincial electoral officer Michael Hendrickse.
“Voting is one of the few tools enabling each individual to directly influence public policy. Therefore the IEC urges all eligible voters to go out and vote, because voting is one of the easiest ways to make your voice heard.”
Hendricks also called on all political parties, their candidates, party agents and members to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct to ensure that voting takes place in an environment conducive to free-and-fair elections.
• For more information on the by-election contact the IEC office in Stellenbosch on 021 882 9054 or 021 882 9045 on weekdays during office hours.
• To find out where you are registered, visit www.elections.org.za.
