South Africa’s election by the figures:
- Total registered voters: 27.7 million
- Female registered voters: 15.3 million (55.25%)
- Male registered voters: 12.4 million (44.75%)
- Political parties: 70
- Independent candidates: 11
- Polling stations: 23,292
Ballots: Three (two for the national assembly and one for the provincial legislature)
Former President Thabo Mbeki recently voted at the Killarney Country Club in Johannesburg. Following his ballot, Mbeki, who also served as a former ANC leader, emphasized the necessity of a national dialogue beyond the election.
He highlighted the numerous challenges facing South Africa and stressed the importance of the ANC’s renewal for the country’s future. Mbeki held the presidency from 1999 to 2008.
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, heading a team of election observers in South Africa, expresses apprehension regarding the country’s new registration procedures.
He highlights concerns about the requirement for voters to cast their ballots in their registered provinces, compared to the previous ease of voting in major cities like Pretoria, Johannesburg, or Cape Town.
Jonathan notes that this time, voters must request reassignment from the electoral commission to vote outside their province of registration, a process many had not completed, assuming they could vote as before.
Additionally, he points out the confusion surrounding the introduction of a third ballot to accommodate independent candidates for the first time in South Africa’s history.
Jonathan, who led Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, emphasizes the need for voter education, even at the voting centers, which he believes may slow down the voting process.
