The number of people on the voters roll stands at 23,6-million, with final verification expected to take place in the next few days, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chairperson Brigalia Bam announced on Wednesday.

The IEC had wanted 24-million people on the roll for the upcoming local government elections, but Bam was satisfied with a 1,9% increase in the number of voters compared to other years.

"Over the two registration weekends a total of 2 731 967 persons registered or re-registered as voters, apart from numerous others who verified their details on the voters roll," she said.

"There's been a steady increase with regard to municipal elections. The number increased by 1,82% during the 2006 elections and 1,6% for the 2000/2002 local government elections."

Bam said the final number of people on the voters roll for the municipal elections would be announced once it had been certified.