EASTERN CAPE - IEC: VOTER TURNOUT FOR THE PROVINCE AT LESS THAN 50%

Less than half of the Eastern Cape's registered voters turned up to make their mark on election day, according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)'s figures in the province.

At least 3.3 million people were registered to vote in Wednesday's poll but only 1,5 million cast their ballots.

Provincial Electoral Officer Thamsanqa Mraji has put voter turnout at 47.2%.

In the 2011 local government elections the voter turnout was 58%.

Bad weather in the Eastern Cape was a major challenge for the IEC when South Africans went to the polls on Wednesday.

Rain and strong winds lashed parts of the province, affecting 24 tents that were used as voting stations.

Taking a bird’s eye view of the Eastern Cape, 97% of the votes have been counted, captured and confirmed.

A total of 107 voting districts are still outstanding.

The African National Congress has secured 25 councils, but lost the Kouga municipality to the Democratic Alliance.

VIA - ewn.co.za