KNYSNA NEWS - Smooth, well organised and surprisingly quick. That was the general verdict from voters at several polling stations in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay on Wednesday morning, where friendly presiding officers were on hand to assist and keep the process moving.

C At Cearn Hall on Leisure Island, a police officer said the first voters had arrived as early as 05:30. Seeing them waiting patiently, he asked election officials to provide chairs so they could sit comfortably until voting began.

Long queues were a familiar sight at several stations, particularly at the NG Church Hall in Fitchat Street, which has 3 100 registered voters, and at Knysna Town Hall in the town centre.

Despite the early queues, the mood was generally calm and friendly, although perhaps a little subdued. Voters were largely unanimous in praising the IEC’s preparations, describing the process as efficient and easy to navigate. “In and out in a jiffy,” was how one voter summed it up.

There was one minor hiccup at Cearn Hall, where voting opened about 20 minutes late. The delay was reportedly due to the IEC’s systems not being ready, resulting in a brief build-up of voters eager to cast their ballots. However, it was soon resolved and did little to disrupt the overall process.

By mid-morning, the picture across Knysna and Plett was one of orderly queues, helpful officials and voters getting on with the business of choosing their local representatives.

All in all, it was a peaceful and well-managed election morning, with few complaints and plenty of voters relieved to have their democratic duty done. 

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’