Douglas election results withheld after ballot papers destroyed

The Electoral Commission (IEC) says the local government election results for Douglas in the Northern Cape will be withheld until a revote.

This follows the destruction of 100 ballot papers during a vote counting session at Bongani Community Hall last week Thursday following elections.

LGE 2026 | The IEC in the Northern Cape says counting was disrupted at a voting station in Douglas, which was allegedly vandalised by a party leader and supporters. https://t.co/A4U8POg3ST

— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 5, 2026

Unhappy political party supporters allegedly stormed a vote counting station following a dispute over ballot papers.

The Hawks have since arrested five suspects who will appear in the Douglas Magistrate’s Court on Monday and charged with contravention of the Electoral Act.

Provincial Hawks spokesperson, Tebogo Thebe elaborates says, “The five that are left are facing charges of contravention of municipal local government elections act 27 of 2000, malicious damage to property which will be the ballots and the police shields, malicious damage to municipal community hall as well as assault and intimidation.”

Video: LGE 2026 | Vandalism reported at voting station in Northen Cape