South African citizens living abroad began casting their votes today in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. This international voting window spans two days, providing expats the opportunity to participate in their homeland’s democratic process.
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo of the Electoral Commission (IEC) announced, “South African citizens residing in other countries will cast the first ballots on 17 May 2024. Nine countries will vote on Friday, while the remaining 102 will vote on Saturday, 18 May 2024.”
London, expecting a high turnout of 24,194 voters, will keep its polling station open on both 18 and 19 May. The international voters roll lists 56,698 eligible voters, but the total expected turnout is 76,580, following the approval of 20,886 VEC10 notifications from temporarily absent voters who expressed their intention to vote abroad.
Mamabolo assured that the IEC is prepared to facilitate smooth voting across 111 foreign missions worldwide. “All missions have received the necessary election materials, including ballot papers, voting booths, ballot boxes, envelopes, and voter lists,” he stated.
Voting stations will operate from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, ensuring 76,580 voters can exercise their right in the 2024 National Elections. Extended hours will be maintained to assist voters with any inquiries.
For logistical reasons, missions with a Sunday–Thursday workweek will vote on Friday, 17 May, including locations such as Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Ramallah, Riyadh, and Tehran. Missions with a Monday–Friday workweek will vote on Saturday, 18 May.
Due to the significant number of voters in the UK, special voting days have been arranged to accommodate everyone efficiently.
