GEORGE NEWS - With the local government elections scheduled for 4 November, George Municipality’s 116 344 registered voters will have the opportunity to choose their community leaders across the municipality’s 28 wards.

According to Electoral Commission (IEC) statistics, women make up the majority of the registered voters in George, accounting for 63 946 voters (54.96%), while 52 398 voters (45.04%) are men.

The municipality’s youngest voters, aged 18 and 19, number 979 in total - 375 men and 604 women. These young residents will be casting their votes in a local government election for the first time.

The largest voting segment falls within the 40-49 age group, with 25 274 registered voters, followed by the 30-39 age group with 23 458 voters and the 50-59 age group with 23 074 voters.

Voters aged between 20 and 29 account for 15 081 registered voters, while 15 920 voters are between the ages of 60 and 69. The 70 to 79 age group comprises 8 702 voters, and a further 3 856 voters are aged 80 years and older.

The figures show that middle-aged residents make up the largest share of the electorate, and nearly 1 000 first-time voters aged 18 and 19 will make their mark when Georgians head to the polls on 4 November.

Provincial readiness

As of May, there are 3 289 906 registered voters in the Western Cape ahead of the local government elections, according to the IEC.

Altogether 526 political parties are registered to take part in the elections across the different councils.

The IEC says it is putting measures in place to make sure the election is fair and transparent. 

This includes training and checking all election staff, with input from party representatives through municipal political liaison committees. On election day, votes will be counted and checked at 1 623 voting stations across the province.

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