As South Africa prepares for its 2024 General Elections scheduled for May 29, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has unveiled the top ten countries with the highest number of registrations from South Africans abroad.
Eligible citizens residing in these countries are poised to contribute to the democratic process by casting their votes in the upcoming elections.
Voting Regulations for South Africans Abroad
According to electoral regulations, South Africans residing abroad are entitled to participate exclusively in South Africa’s national elections.
This excludes their involvement in provincial elections, regional elections for the National Assembly, or municipal elections.
To be eligible to vote, citizens must have completed the registration process by the official proclamation of the election date by the President of the Republic, as emphasized by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of May 29 as the election day.
Top Ten Countries and Registered Populations
The list of top ten countries with the most registrations for the 2024 elections, as disclosed by the IEC, demonstrates the global reach of South African voters.
The rankings are as follows:
London (England): 19,525
The Hague (Netherlands): 5,574
Canberra (Australia): 2,609
Dubai (United Arab Emirates): 2,574
Dublin (Ireland): 2,342
Wellington (New Zealand): 1,668
Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates): 1,416
New York City (USA): 1,379
Washington (USA): 1,228
Berlin (Germany): 1,188
Voting Schedule
For South African citizens residing in Islamic countries, the voting day is set for Friday, May 17.
In all other locations, the voting will take place on Saturday, May 18, extending the opportunity for widespread participation.
Record-Breaking Voter Registration
The IEC proudly announced that over 27 million people have registered to vote in the upcoming elections.
This marks a significant increase, with the voter’s roll experiencing steady growth of over 35%.
The 2024 elections boast the highest number of registered voters, with a remarkable surge of 9.6 million voters since the 1999 general elections.
Youth Representation and Geographic Trends
Gauteng leads in voter registrations for the 2024 elections, closely followed by KwaZulu-Natal, with the Eastern Cape securing the third position.
Notably, the age cohort of 18-39 years constitutes 42% of the voters on the certified roll, signaling increased representation and engagement among the youth.
Outlook for the 2024 Elections
The anticipation for the 2024 General Elections is palpable, with a global diaspora actively participating in shaping the democratic landscape of South Africa.
The IEC’s commitment to inclusivity and the impressive voter registration numbers set the stage for a vibrant and representative electoral process.
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