Cape Town – The Electoral Commission (IEC) opened the national results operation centre (ROC) for the upcoming elections at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, replacing the long-used Tshwane Events Centre due to neglect and vandalism.
The ROC will be the main hub for political parties, observers, and media to access real-time election results.
Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Masego Sheburi, expressed satisfaction with the new venue, despite the preference for a state facility, EWN reported.
Since the first democratic elections in 1994, the IEC has used the Tshwane Events Centre as its national results operation centre. However, neglect and vandalism have forced the IEC to find a new venue.
The IEC has launched the 2024 Results Operations Centre seven days ahead of the elections next week. The centre at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, will be responsible for all elections-related activities for the entire duration of the elections. @XoliMngambi speaks to… pic.twitter.com/JzvV4Yg5DI
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 22, 2024
“The facility is fit for purpose, it’s an exhibition facility, so most of the base infrastructure is here. Our preference would have been to use a state facility. It has not been possible this time around, so we must make Gallagher work as a results centre,” the report quoted Sheburi as saying.
The IEC said is ready to ensure free and fair elections next Wednesday, with final preparations and media coverage underway.
IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya says all counting will take place where voting has taken place. Moepya was speaking at the launch of the National results operation centre at Gallagher Estate. He says no ballots will be moved outside the voting station. #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/Yq4y0yNw8V
— eNCA (@eNCA) May 22, 2024
[Photos] Get a glimpse of the dedication and hard work poured into bringing the #SAelections24 National Results Operation Centre to life. Don’t forget to join us for the launch at 3PM! #NROC #BehindTheScenes pic.twitter.com/20DaJz7ukN
— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) May 22, 2024
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Source: AFP
Picture: X/@IECSouthAfrica
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