PRETORIA, May 8 (Xinhua) -- The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo on Wednesday said the voting started well even though there were some glitches in some voting stations.

Photo: Xinhua

Reports from elections operations around the country showed that almost all voting stations opened on time, and by 11:00 a.m. large numbers of voters have already cast their ballots, said Mamabolo when addressing the media, adding that if there are voters in the queue at the time of closing they might extend voting hours.

Mamabolo pointed out that they failed to open 17 voting stations out of the 22,924 stations in the country which is a small fraction. The IEC will open the remaining voting stations and make an assessment.

The Government Communication and Information System Acting Director General Phumla Williams also said the elections started well save for few stations which did not open in time.

"Government welcomes the smooth start to the 2019 national and provincial elections. Millions of South Africans have already cast their vote, affirming that our democracy remains strong and vibrant," Williams said.

"We are encouraged that apart from a few exceptions, voting stations around the country started on time, and issues are being addressed as they arise."

Williams said the army and the police have been deployed to ensure there is peace and security. She noted that the voting was conducted in a peaceful way which is encouraging. Government expressed confidence that the elections would be conducted in a free and fair manner.