#IMadeMyMark - Thunder scares voters away

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Voting stations opened at 07:00 on Wednesday, with approximately 9 000 registered voters in Graaff-Reinet and surrounding towns who were geared to participate in the 6th South-African democratic election.

With 26,74 million voters registered nationwide to choose from 48 parties contesting the election nationally, 26 parties are vying to take control of the Eastern Cape.

Voting in the Camdeboo District started at a slow pace, with pouring rain in Graaff-Reinet, Aberdeen and other towns in the district. Thundershowers and lightning kept many potential voters at home. Most of the 63 district voting stations were still relatively quiet yesterday afternoon at the time of going to press.

Clouds got thicker and politicians were left in the dark - not just about the outcome of the election, but also could not predict how many voters would eventually turn up to vote.

Mid-afternoon the Graaff-Reinet Electoral Commission spokesperson, Mr. Ngite told the Advertiser that everything is going smoothly. "We had no complaints so far from Graaff-Reinet officials and we are satisfied with the flow of the elections in the area."

DA supporters in high spirits at Nqweba Secondary School voting station.

Captain Bradley Rawlinson, police spokesperson said the police visited voting stations since early the morning and no intimidation or complaint were received. Vote counting started just after closing of the stations at 21:00.