Voting
South African citizens living around the world have begun casting their votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. Commencing today, the international phase of voting marks a significant moment for South Africans residing outside their home country.
Electoral Commission (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, unveiled the voting schedule which spans two critical days. “South African citizens living in other countries will cast the first ballots on 17 May 2024. Nine countries will cast ballots on Friday while the rest of the 102 will cast ballots on Saturday, 18 May 2024,” Mamabolo announced, delineating a significant operation to encompass the global South African diaspora.
Amidst the bustling anticipation, the London voting station stands out, bracing for a massive turnout of 24,194 voters. To accommodate this vast electorate, the London station uniquely extends its operation to both 18th and 19th May 2024, illustrating the scale and importance of the overseas vote.
The electoral commission shines a light on the impressive figures, revealing an international voters roll tallying at 56,698 registrants. The anticipated total vote count is expected to reach 76,580, bolstered by the approval of 20,886 VEC10 notifications. These notifications are from individuals who signified their intention to vote abroad, reflecting a vibrant electorate eager to partake in their national duty, despite being miles away from home.
Mamabolo assured, “This comes after the approval of 20,886 VEC10 notifications from voters who informed the Chief Electoral Officer of their intention to vote outside of the country due to temporary absence,” signaling robust participation in the democratic process.
Preparing to host the elections across 111 foreign missions worldwide, the IEC is in top gear, ensuring a seamless voting experience for all. “All missions have already received the election materials, which include ballot papers, voting booths, ballot boxes, envelopes, and a voter list.” This meticulous preparation mirrors the commission’s commitment to uphold the sanctity and smooth conduct of the voting process.
Voting stations will be accessible from 07:00am to 19:00pm, affording the 76,580 registered voters ample time to cast their ballots. Moreover, the IEC will extend its operational hours, offering additional support and answering any enquiries, thereby ensuring the accessibility of voting to all abroad.
A distinct arrangement has been designed considering the diverse work week schedules across the globe. Missions adhering to a Sunday–Thursday work week will open their voting booths on Friday, 17 May, from 7 am to 7 pm. This Friday schedule encompasses countries such as Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Ramallah, Riyad, and Teheran. Conversely, missions following a Monday–Friday work week are allocated Saturday, 18 May, operating within the same hours for voting activities.
The decision to allocate two special voting days for the UK is a testament to the overwhelming number of South Africans in the region eager to participate in their home country’s electoral process. This move not only accommodates the high voter turnout but also underscores the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in the voting process for citizens abroad.
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