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Traditionally rain is considered a sign of good luck.
However, on election day, 8 May, it proved otherwise as it resulted in a low turnout of voters countrywide.
Good rainfall was experienced across the country last Wednesday. Constant rainfall on election day resulted in wet and cold weather conditions which several political parties that contested the elections, blamed for preventing potential voters from casting their votes at the polling stations across the country.
Potential voters in the three towns of the Mangaung Metro Municipality, Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, were no exception.
While some polling stations reportedly opened late due to the constant rainfall, some even closed earlier in Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu with potential voters deciding to remain indoors.
Queues of voters at several voting stations were no longer than 30 m in township areas – a contrasting scene to four years ago, the democratic elections memorable with long queues at several voting stations.
Some voters however braved the poor weather conditions to cast their votes in the hope of positive change in their lives.
While the 48 political parties made a lot of promises, the priorities on the wish list remained jobs, safety and security and quality services across the spectrum. In the Free State voters had 28 political parties to choose from to deliver on their mandate.
The voters gave their vote of confidence to the ruling party ANC, DA and EFF, respectively.
The ruling ANC party has regained power nationally (in eight provinces) with a depleted percentage of 57.5%.
The seat allocation in the Free State Legislature is as follows: ANC 19 (3 less), DA 6 (1 more), EFF 4 (2 more) and VF Plus 1 (no change).
