LIMPOPO – The Ga-Chokoe voter boycott has significantly disrupted special voting and registration processes outside Mokopane in Limpopo, as residents protest inadequate service delivery and a disputed municipal ward reclassification.
Potential voters in the community failed to register or verify their details during the two designated registration windows. Residents have actively boycotted the electoral process due to poor road infrastructure, a severe lack of water, and the alleged relocation of their voting station without prior consultation. Furthermore, the community has previously indicated intentions to boycott the main elections scheduled for November 4.
According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), special voting could not be administered at Matura Primary School, which serves as the local voting station. This disruption was part of a broader provincial challenge, with special voting failing to take place at 12 out of the 3,317 total voting stations across Limpopo.
Addressing the core grievances, the Mayor of the local municipality explained that the unrest stems directly from the community’s reclassification from Ward 3 to Ward 6. The Mayor noted that the Municipal Demarcation Board initiated and finalized the process late last year following extensive stakeholder engagements. However, the community began protesting the changes, which ultimately led to the boycott of both the June and subsequent voter registration periods.
In response to the escalating situation, the municipality, alongside the Demarcation Board, the IEC, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, held high-level meetings with traditional leadership. The Mayor confirmed that joint engagements involving SAPS and municipal officials were conducted to conscientize the community and encourage electoral participation. Despite these interventions, residents remain steadfast in their demand to remain in Ward 3.
To ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process, an agreement was reached with SAPS and the IEC to place the affected voting stations under strict police supervision. The Mayor emphasized that residents have been explicitly warned against tampering with voting materials or threatening IEC staff and community members who wish to exercise their democratic right to vote. While a vocal segment of the community is boycotting the elections, officials noted that not all residents are participating in the protest.
Efforts to engage directly with the protesting residents on the day of the special voting were unsuccessful, as community representatives indicated they were not yet ready to address the media. They have, however, committed to providing their perspective and sharing their side of the story once they are prepared to do so. Authorities and municipal officials will continue to monitor developments in the area.
