South Africa estimates 780,000 special votes despite delays

South Africa’s Electoral Commission estimated that about 780,000 special votes were cast on Monday, the first of two days of early voting, despite delays at polling stations in Cape Town. The commission said all 217 affected stations later opened and remained operational, with their hours extended to accommodate voters. Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo described the figure as a conservative estimate during an evening briefing in Midrand. The commission’s estimate was not a final count. Special voting is for registered voters unable to reach their designated station on general election day, including people with illnesses or disabilities and those who will be absent from their wards. Approved voters may also receive a home visit. Mamabolo said ballot-paper distribution continued into the early hours of Monday and was unfinished by the scheduled 8 a.m. opening. He attributed the Cape Town delays to that distribution process. The affected stations stayed open until 6 p.m., an hour later than the usual 5 p.m. closing time. The commission apologised to voters affected by the disruption and said the delays were not politically motivated. The IEC approved about 2.6 million...