Polls closed across most of South Africa on Wednesday, after a smooth day of voting in municipal elections, despite some glitches and long queues, dpa reported. Official results will be announced on Saturday by the Independent Election Commission (IEC). The ruling African National Congress (ANC), still seen by many as the liberation front that ushered in democracy in 1994, is not likely to lose its overall grip on power. However, polls predicted a decline in support for the party as it is struggling in several areas once seen as stalwart ANC bastions. "We will surprise many," said President Jacob Zuma, as he voted in his hometown of Nkandla, in the eastern province of Kwazulu-Natal. The ANC chief, who could see his leadership challenged should the party fair poorly, said he remained "very optimistic." Zuma asked for all South Africans to participate in the political system saying voting is "always a liberating experience." Some minor glitches occurred in parts of Johannesburg and in the far north, including several polling machines that did not function and one station that was damaged overnight in a fire. The IEC assured voters that, where necessary, polling stations would stay open later than the original 7 pm (1700 GMT) deadline. The Democratic Alliance (DA), a party hoping to make significant gains and be able to present itself as the counterpoint to the ANC, lodged one complaint with the IEC in a contentious constituency. Voters were allegedly not given the right ballot papers. In various locals, long queues were reported, but voters generally waited patiently for their turn.
