Donald Lukele
South Africans are voting in the most important election since the end of apartheid in 1994.
More than 27 million people have registered to vote in an election that highlights increasing political divisions after 30 years of democracy.
70 parties and 11 independent candidates are participating in the election, which will see South Africans voting for a new national parliament, as well as nine provincial legislatures.
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In power since anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela led it to victory at the end of white minority rule, the African National Congress (ANC) is seeking its seventh term in office.
DELAY IN OPENING THE LARGEST VOTING STATION TODAY.
After a delay of about 40 minutes, voting began at the Joubert Park polling station in downtown Johannesburg, the largest in South Africa with over 16,000 voters.
VOTING PROCEDURE.
For the first time, voters will be given three ballot papers when they enter the polling booth.
The first ballot will list the parties contesting the 200 seats in the national parliament.
The second ballot will list parties and independent candidates, in provinces contesting the other 200 seats in parliament.
This is the first time this ballot has been introduced to allow independent candidates to contest parliamentary seats, enhancing provincial representation in the legislature.
There is no direct presidential election. The new parliament will elect the president, who is usually the leader of the party with the most seats.
The third ballot is for provincial legislatures, one for each of South Africa’s nine provinces.
Voters in each province will vote for their provincial legislature, and this time they will be able to vote for independent candidates, not just parties.
Provinces have significant budgets and are responsible for areas such as education and health, as well as national government.
