Johannesburg – Voting stations around the country open at 07:00 (7 am) Wednesday morning, (29 May 2024), and eligible voters are encouraged to vote.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) says it is “all systems go”.
There are 23 292 voting stations across South Africa all scheduled to open at 07:00 (7 am) and close at 21:00 (9 pm).
The IEC said all systems are in place to ensure that South Africans will have an opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote.
A record 27.69 million people registered to vote in the 2024 general elections – nearly a million more voters since the last elections five years ago.
Voters will receive three different coloured ballots to make one mark on each, representing:
- A national ballot for the National Assembly;
- A regional ballot for the National Assembly;
- A provincial ballot for the Provincial Legislature.
“A number of measures have been put in place so that citizens can safely and securely cast their vote in the year that the country celebrates 30 Years of Freedom,” a statement from the government said.
The IEC advises eligible voters to bring their South African green barcoded identity document (ID), a smart ID card, or a temporary ID certificate.
The Department of Home Affairs is extending operational hours until 9 pm (21:00) to allow eligible voters to collect their smart ID cards or green ID books.
Authorities said they were ready to combat and prevent any threats to the election such as intimidation, public violence, clashes, or community protests.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that 2 828 members of the South African National Defence Force will be employed for service in cooperation with the South African Police Service for the prevention and combating of crime and the maintenance and preservation of law and order during the National and Provincial Elections.
