Voter registration gets off to rocky start in Kapok

Residents have barricaded roads leading into the informal settlement to prevent IEC officials from entering.

JOHANNESBURG - Despite the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC) hopes for a peaceful start to this weekend's voter registration drive, there are already signs of trouble.

#Elections2016 Kapok residents protesting. Residents say they will not register to vote. MK pic.twitter.com/JkLvwZQbdb

EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 9, 2016



Kapok residents have barricaded roads leading into the informal settlement to prevent IEC officials from accessing the area.

Protesters vandalised a community centre and chased IEC officials away during last month's voter registration drive.

They're up in arms over the lack of basic services and have complained about their local councillor.

#Elections2016 Residents say they will ensure a voter registration station is not set up in the area. MK pic.twitter.com/2CTiB178Ui — EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 9, 2016

Residents have placed rocks, burning tyres and rubble at all entrances into the area.

Police officers have arrived to ensure the safety of residents and IEC officials who are expected to set up a tent as a registration station.

Residents say they lack basic services such as water and lights and feel voting will not make a difference in their lives.

The stage has been set and it seems residents are keeping their promise that they will not take part in the upcoming local government elections.

#Elections2016 Last month residents chased IEC officials away and said they will not be voting. MK pic.twitter.com/FqMl3Sr3M6 — EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 9, 2016

Meanwhile, the IEC says about 75 per cent of the eligible voting population has registered to vote already and has encouraged more people to register today

About 25.6 million people are currently registered to vote and that number will increase as more people head to registration stations this weekend.

People can register between 8am and 5pm today and tomorrow.