By-elections proceed calmly amid high political stakes

Despite weeks of heavy and at times messy canvassing - particularly in Pacaltsdorp - the voting in George's by-elections on Wednesday 21 January proceeded mostly smoothly.

- Michelle Pienaar

The heat is on! Green vs Blue at the St Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church in Pacaltsdorp, Ward 27.

(Photos: Michelle Pienaar)

The residents in wards 17 and 27 headed to the polls as part of two by-elections held in Pacaltsdorp, Conville, Rosemoor and surrounding areas this week. Four political parties are contesting: the Democratic Alliance (DA), African National Congress (ANC), Patriotic Alliance (PA) and a relatively new party, the Truth and Solidarity Movement.

Although all four are listed by the Independent Electoral Commission, the true competition was between the DA and the PA.

The George Herald journalists paid a visit to the four voting stations early on Wednesday morning. The atmosphere was peaceful at the Ward 17 voting station in the Conville Community Hall as the voters arrived at a steady pace, reported Kristy Kolberg. Representatives from the ANC, DA and PA were present, with gazebos set up outside the venue to assist the voters where required.