IEC reports incident of interference during vote counting in Douglas

The Electoral Commission has confirmed an incident of interference at a counting station in Douglas, in the Northern Cape, during the election process.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Electoral Operations, Masego Sheburi, says members of a political party stormed the counting station, laid siege to the venue and tore ballot papers before counting could begin.

Sheburi says the Commission is considering the implications for the votes cast, he says such conduct is contrary to the principles of free and fair elections.

“Not only did they storm the counting station, they laid siege to it and interfered and tore at conservative estimates. At least 100 ballots, 1 300 ballots were cast at that voting station. The matter is with the commission to take a determination on what needs to happen to the votes cast in that election.”

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