Today, South Africans are voting in what is expected to be the most hotly contested elections since apartheid ended in 1994.
A record 27 million people have registered to vote, highlighting the growing political division in the country after 30 years of democracy.
More than 1.6 million people applied for special voting, which took place on Monday and Tuesday.
The Electoral Commission has confirmed it is ready for the elections.
President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the commission and its staff for their thorough preparations.
“We commend the Independent Electoral Commission for the impressive work they have done in preparation for these elections. We have once again seen the IEC’s capabilities in successful voter registration weekends, party and candidate registrations, ballot paper preparations, overseas voting organization, and the diligent application of our electoral laws. We thank the IEC staff for fulfilling this crucial national duty,” said Ramaphosa.
