Surge in special vote applications signals high interest in local elections – Analyst

Political analyst Dr Levy Ndou says the high number of special vote applications could point to increased public interest in Wednesday’s Local Government Elections.

He attributes the heightened engagement to intensified political campaigning, the growing number of political parties and the participation of younger candidates.

Ndou has also commended the Electoral Commission for its efforts to encourage young people to register and take part in the democratic process. Ndou says, “It’s quite interesting that the numbers are indeed huge, with 2.6 million applications for special votes. One must appreciate the work that the IEC has done in terms of its drive to attract and encourage young people to register to vote. Indeed, it has recorded a very good number of young people who are expected to vote.”