Voting for South Africans living overseas in the May 29 national and provincial elections begins today and runs for two days.
“South African citizens living in other countries will cast their first ballots on May 17. Nine countries will cast ballots on Friday, while the rest of the 102 will cast ballots on Saturday, May 18,” Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said.
Given that 24 944 South Africans are expected to vote in London, this station will operate on Saturday and Sunday.
The international segment of the voter roll for out-of-country voters has 56 698 voters, but the total number of people expected to vote is 76 580.
Election material received
“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,” Mamabolo said.
The commissioner said the IEC was ready to ensure that voting goes smoothly in 111 foreign missions around the world.
“All missions have already received the election materials, which include ballot papers, voting booths, ballot boxes, envelopes, and a voter list.”
Voting stations will be open from 7am to 7pm, allowing 76 580 voters to exercise their right to vote.
“On both voting days abroad, the IEC will keep extended hours to assist voters with any enquiries,” said Mamabolo.
WATCH: Full IEC briefing
South African citizens voting out-of-country can only vote on one day at their mission:
- Missions with a work week from Sunday–Thursday vote on May 17, from 7am to 7pm. The following countries are determined to vote on Friday: Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Ramallah, Riyad and Teheran; and
- Missions with a work week from Monday–Friday vote on May 18, from 7am to 7pm.
Two days of special votes have been determined for the UK based on the number of voters who will vote at that mission. – SAnews.gov.za
