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South African Expatriates Begin Voting in 2024 National and Provincial Elections

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Johannesburg – South African citizens living abroad started casting their votes today in the National and Provincial Elections of 2024, marking the commencement of a two-day voting period for expatriates. This electoral process is the first opportunity for South Africans residing outside the country to participate in this year's pivotal elections.

According to South African Government News Agency, Chief Electoral Officer of the Electoral Commission (IEC), the international voting schedule is staggered across two days to accommodate the large diaspora. "On 17 May 2024, voters in nine countries will cast their ballots, followed by the remaining 102 countries on 18 May 2024," Mamabolo stated. The voting station in London will operate for an additional day, on 19 May, due to the high number of registered voters there, totaling 24,194.

The IEC has prepared for a significant turnout, with 56,698 voters on the international segment of the voters' roll, and an expected total of 76,580 participants. This follows the approval of 20,886 VEC10 notifications, which are declarations from voters about their intent to vote abroad due to temporary absences.

Mamabolo reassured that all logistical arrangements are in place for the elections at 111 foreign missions. "Election materials, including ballot papers, voting booths, ballot boxes, envelopes, and a voter list, have already been dispatched and received by all missions," he confirmed. Voting stations will be open from 07:00 AM to 19:00 PM local time, and the IEC will extend its hours on both days to address any inquiries from voters.

The voting schedule varies by country, depending on the typical work week. Missions in countries with a Sunday to Thursday work week, such as Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Ramallah, Riyad, and Teheran, are scheduled to vote on Friday, 17 May. Those with a Monday to Friday work week will vote on Saturday, 18 May.

The decision to extend voting to two days for the United Kingdom is based on the large South African community expected to participate at that location.