By-elections proceed calmly amid high political stakes

Gallery

GEORGE NEWS - Despite weeks of heavy and at times messy canvassing - particularly in Pacaltsdorp - the voting in George's by-elections on Wednesday 21 January proceeded mostly smoothly.

The residents in wards 17 and 27 headed to the polls as part of two by-elections held in Pacaltsdorp, Conville, Rosemoor and surrounding areas this week.

PHOTO GALLERY - Kiesers en party-ondersteuners verkiesingsvure brand hoog

Four political parties are contesting: the Democratic Alliance (DA), African National Congress (ANC), Patriotic Alliance (PA) and a relatively new party, the Truth and Solidarity Movement.

Although all four are listed by the Independent Electoral Commission, the true competition was between the DA and the PA.

Sandrina Simeon (59) casts her vote in the St Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

Steady pace

The George Herald journalists paid a visit to the four voting stations early on Wednesday morning. The atmosphere was peaceful at the Ward 17 voting station in the Conville Community Hall as the voters arrived at a steady pace, reported Kristy Kolberg. Representatives from the ANC, DA and PA were present, with gazebos set up outside the venue to assist the voters where required.

The O'Connell Street station, which serves both Conville and Rosemoor, is traditionally quieter, but party representatives remained hopeful of a strong turn-out, reported Marguerite van Ginkel. The conditions were favourable, with sunny weather contributing to a relaxed and orderly voting environment.

Similar scenes were reported at other voting stations, including those in Pacaltsdorp, where voting took place at the St Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church in Beukes Street and at Pacaltsdorp Primary School. Alida de Beer reported that the voters arrived in a steady stream since early morning after the voting station at Pacaltsdorp Primary School had opened at 07:00, and the voting took place in an orderly fashion. Michelle Pienaar enjoyed the lively action at the church, with DA and PA stalls lined up right next to each other.

The heat is on! Green vs Blue at the St Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church in Pacaltsdorp, Ward 27.

Political weight

The by-elections carry significant political weight, with control of the George Council firmly in focus.

The current DA-led coalition holds 29 seats, with 28 required for a majority. Even in the event that the DA were to lose all three contested wards to the PA, the coalition would still retain control of Council with 29 councillors. It would, however, strengthen the DA stronghold should they manage to retain the wards.

In the run-up to voting day, both the PA and the DA deployed their most senior leadership to George. PA leader Gayton McKenzie and DA federal leader John Steenhuisen visited the area ahead of the by-elections, ensuring a visible presence in all contested wards as the parties intensified their final campaigning efforts.

William George (67) votes with confidence in the St Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

In the running

In Ward 27, which includes areas such as Europe, Harmony Park, Sea View, Aldanah and parts of Oudorp in Pacaltsdorp, voters chose between Gail Ndukwana (ANC), Richard John Hector (DA), Marchell Elton Frederick Kleynhans (PA) and Victoria Audrey Rhoda (Truth).

Ward 17, covering Tamsui, George Industria, parts of Rosemoor, Conville and Molenrivierrif, saw voters casting ballots for George Samuel Taylor (ANC), Marizaan Stoffels (DA), Raphael John Goeieman (PA) and Mujahied Jacobs (Truth).

• A third by-election is scheduled for 11 February in Ward 16, New Dawn Park. Voters there will choose between Remano Chadly Kasper (ANC), Eveline Scheepers (DA), Naellowine Charmonay Elsebé Esau (PA) and Zarina McWhite (Truth). Voting will take place at the municipal offices on the corner of Protea Road and Toermalyn Street.

DA members, some from as far as Mossel Bay, came to assist during the election at the voting station in Conville. Photo: Kristy Kolberg

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