Ballot Shortages and Device Failures Disrupt South African Elections

The Electoral Commission of South Africa faced significant operational challenges during the 2026 local government elections on November 4, ranging from supply shortages to technical failures. In Johannesburg's Ward 72, several voting stations—including Summerwood Primary and Orange Grove Primary School—ran out of ballot papers, leaving some voters waiting for over an hour. The commission attributed the shortage to demand outstripping supply and a mismatch between issued ballots and the voters' roll. Voting resumed after top-up ballots arrived, and officials confirmed sufficient supplies by 3 p.m.

Democratic Alliance figure Helen Zille alleged the commission intentionally ran "interference in DA strongholds," while candidate Daniel Schay cited incompetence. A formal complaint has been lodged against the commission regarding these disruptions.

Simultaneously, the Western Cape saw over 824,000 residents vote by lunchtime, though the Cape Town metro experienced long queues and opening delays. Provincial electoral officer Michael Hendrickse attributed these issues to voter management device failures. The commission responded by deploying additional staff, booths, and devices to increase processing streams. In a separate incident in Mossel Bay, an electoral official was dismissed for arriving at work intoxicated. The Department of Home Affairs remained open to provide temporary identification documents to ensure voter access.