IEC Presiding Officer Dies After Collapsing at Mahikeng Voting Station as Special Voting Begins

The first day of special voting for South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections was overshadowed by tragedy on Monday when an Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) presiding officer collapsed and died at a voting station in Mahikeng, North West. The death was announced by IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Sheburi during a media briefing in Midrand, who said the commission was providing support to the deceased official’s family and colleagues at the station .

“With a sad heart, we announce the passing of a presiding officer who collapsed at a voting station and has sadly passed on in Mahikeng,” Sheburi said. “The Commission is providing the necessary support to the affected officials who are at the stations as well as the family of the now-deceased colleague” . The identity of the presiding officer has not yet been released.

In a separate incident, a deputy presiding officer in the uKhahlamba district of KwaZulu-Natal was involved in a motor vehicle accident while travelling to her voting station on Monday morning. She was rushed to hospital for treatment . Sheburi confirmed the incident, noting that the official had been making her way to the station when the accident occurred .

Despite the incidents, Sheburi said the commission was recording a strong performance across the country, with approximately 94% of voting stations opening on time and staff and materials in place . The IEC urged voters to confirm their special vote status and voting arrangements before leaving home, reminding them that special votes may only be cast at the voting station where the voter is registered .

Special voting is taking place on Monday and Tuesday, 2 and 3 November, ahead of the main voting day on Wednesday, 4 November, which has been declared a public holiday. The IEC said it expected further improvements on the second day of special voting despite the setbacks .

Source https://x.com/iol/status/2117222182551982091?s=46