South Africans Voting Abroad
78,092 South Africans scattered across the globe are bracing to cast their votes in the upcoming 2024 National Elections. The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), in close collaboration with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), has announced they are in the final stages of preparations to facilitate this global voting exercise.
Materials crucial for the voting process, such as voting booths, ballot boxes, ballot papers, stationery packs, and comprehensive lists, are already on their way to 111 foreign missions across the world. This logistical feat aims to ensure that South African citizens residing or stationed abroad can participate seamlessly in the electoral process back home.
For South Africans in cities like Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Kuwait City, Jeddah, Ramallah, Riyadh, and Tehran, the voting booths will open on 17 May. The majority of the missions, however, are scheduled to welcome voters on the following day, 18 May 2024, with operating hours from 7am to 7pm local time.
In an effort to accommodate what is expected to be a large turnout, the IEC has extended voting hours in some jurisdictions. Notably, the mission in the United Kingdom will witness two days of special voting on 18 and 19 May 2024, stretching from 7am to 9pm, to cater for the substantial number of registered voters totalling 24,535. This provision will also apply to missions in Washington DC and New York, reflecting the commission’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible voter gets the opportunity to participate.
The international voting stations with the highest number of registered South African voters include London, The Hague, Canberra, Dubai, Dublin, Wellington, Abu Dhabi, Washington DC, and Berlin. The IEC has made it clear that voters must appear in person at the mission where they are registered or have been successfully approved via the VEC 10 notice.
Following the conclusion of the voting process overseas, the national compensatory ballots will be securely transported back to South Africa. Here, they will be tallied at the IEC’s national office in the presence of representatives from the competing political entities, ensuring transparency and integrity in the counting of votes from abroad.
The IEC extended its gratitude towards the dedicated stakeholders, its workforce and DIRCO employees, for their relentless commitment to facilitating the voting process for South African citizens living overseas. Moreover, the commission acknowledged the unavoidable circumstances that prevent voting in certain countries due to security concerns, specifically naming missions in Sudan, Tel Aviv, and Kyiv as currently inoperable. South African citizens who find themselves in such predicaments had until the 22 April deadline to arrange an alternative voting station.
As D-Day approaches, the IEC reassures that extended operational hours will be in effect at all voting stations abroad to accommodate and assist voters with any inquiries, ensuring that every voice from the South African diaspora can contribute to the country’s democratic process from anywhere in the world.
_______________________________________
Central News Weekly Edition 051: Download the latest special edition of Central News Print and Digital Newspaper. Top Story : “Free State Poll Hints at Possible ANC Coalition in Upcoming Elections”
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
________________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate