The Democratic Alliance (DA) has kept its Ward 5 seat in Kroonvale, Graaff-Reinet, in Wednesday’s by-elections.
The party, which has seen growth in the area, scooped 59.17% of the poll, up from 50.17% polled in 2014.
The ward, which is in Camdeboo municipality, was contested by Izak Reid of the ANC and Glenda Christina Mackelina of the DA.
TimesLive this week reported that the ward was previously governed by the DA and became vacant as a result of the termination of the previous councillor’s membership from the party.
In a press statement yesterday, the Independent Electoral Commission said voter turnout varied between 26.36% and 53.56% with an average of 38.93% and two wards were uncontested.
The voter turnout for this ward in the 2011 municipal elections was 51.66%
DA provincial leader Athol Trollip said the victory would boost the party’s confidence and morale leading up to the much-awaited local government elections later this year.
“A swing like this is also extremely significant for the Nelson Bay Mandela Metropolitan, the Kouga and Koukamma municipalities.
“The DA’s growth is firmly on track and this result will build momentum towards the elections,” he said.
DA Camdeboo constituency chair Samantha Jankovich said she had acted as councillor for the ward after the previous councillor fell ill.
“Our candidate is among reasons for this victory.
“She is excellent, highly regarded and has lived in the community for years,” she said.