IEC to audit election results amid ‘double vote’ arrests
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says it will conduct a sample audit of results and votes cast amid the arrest of at least four people in KwaZulu-Natal for double voting.
The number of is expected to rise as several complaints of double voting were laid with the commission by political parties.
This was only one of several glitches with the electoral process across the country.
Officials briefing the media on Thursday at the Results Operation Centre in Pretoria.
By 2pm on Thursday, at least 45% of votes were counted.
“The audit will cover a statistically representative sample of voting stations as well as voting stations where complaints or allegations of double voting have been received. The final number and selection of the sample will be determined with expert statisticians,” said CEO Sy Mamabolo.
This was decided in a meeting with political parties.
He said an audit firm has not been appointed yet as the commission is determining how much capacity it will require.
“The audit will involve the capture of information showing the ID numbers of voters who cast votes at each station from the scanners and completed VEC 4 forms. This data will then be cross-referenced and compared to identify any instances of multiple voting,” he added
He added that an investigation is underway into the effectiveness of the indelible ink maker pens used in these elections.
While the ink normally lasts four three days as another verification that one has voted to ensure there are no double votes, many have reported it faded or was completely removed shortly after they voted.
The IEC gave an assurance that, at this stage, it is confident in its internal systems but will only release results it is certain are valid.