Nerve Centre” Ready for Capturing, Auditing, Collating Election Results

The National Result Operation Centre (ROC) for the 2024 national elections has been launched in Midrand.

Located at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, the ROC will serve as the nerve centre for capturing, auditing, collating, and announcing the election results next week after Election Day.

Speaking at the official launch of the results centre on Wednesday, the Electoral Commission (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo described it as the “beating heart of the democratic process.” This centre will bring together commission members, operational areas, representatives of political parties and independent candidates, observer missions, and media representatives from around the world.

Mamabolo announced that there will also be ROCs across all nine provinces.

He expressed his honor at welcoming a record-breaking 160 organizations, collectively deploying over 5,000 observers from around the globe to witness and validate the integrity of the commission’s electoral process. “This includes esteemed international bodies such as the African Union, The Carter Centre Democracy Program, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, alongside a legion of domestic observers committed to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability.”

Mamabolo reminded all voters of the principle governing the elections—that individuals vote at the voting station where they are registered, with exceptions only for those who have notified the commission of their intention to vote outside their registered voting district.

With less than a week before Election Day, Mamabolo called on all South Africans, both at home and abroad, to participate in this defining moment for the nation.

Electoral Commission Chairperson Mosotho Moepya emphasized that the ROC is not merely a physical space but a testament to the unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity in the electoral process.

“The ROC stands as a beacon of transparency and accountability, illuminating the path toward a future characterized by free and fair elections. Here, within the walls of what we affectionately call ‘The ROC,’ South Africa’s commitment to free and fair elections finds its stronghold,” Moepya said.

He noted that the results centre would witness the announcement and certification of results in national, provincial, and local elections, symbolizing the nation’s steadfast dedication to democratic principles.

“I extend a warm welcome to representatives from all political parties and independent candidates participating in these elections. Your presence here underscores the collaborative effort required in the management of elections. Through the National Political Liaison Committee, we have engaged transparently at every stage of the electoral process, ensuring inclusivity and fairness,” he added.

Moepya highlighted that each voting station result undergoes rigorous audit authentication before being posted, ensuring accuracy and accountability. “The capture and verification of results at each voting station, independent audits, and real-time accessibility of data to stakeholders exemplify our commitment to integrity,” he said.

Special Votes

On May 27 and 28, the commission will accept special votes from the 1,668,076 South Africans who have been approved for this category of votes. The commission will visit 624,593 voters at their homes or places of confinement, while 1,043,483 will be assisted at voting stations where they are registered.

Gauteng has the most approved special votes for both home visits and voting station visits, with 335,480. The rest are as follows: KwaZulu-Natal with 320,010, the Eastern Cape with 286,059, Limpopo with 159,800, the Western Cape with 137,558, North West with 132,627, Mpumalanga with 126,112, Free State with 86,908, and the Northern Cape with 83,504.

The ROC is supported by nine other provincial election centers across the country.