A record number of South Africans are expected to vote on the two days preceding voting day next week.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says it’s heartened by the huge increase in special votes for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Nearly 10% of the 29.2 million registered voters have applied for special votes.

Police, the army, media workers and healthcare workers have historically voted first during special voting days.

As well as the elderly and those not physically able to visit voting stations.

–SABC–