President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that on May 29th, all South African citizens would get the opportunity to elect a new government. Some citizens find themselves having to make a difficult decision during the election season.
Given that the Electoral Commission (IEC) states that all South African citizens are eligible to vote, what happens to citizens living abroad?
The IEC states that South Africans living abroad can only vote during the national elections, excluding them from voting during the provincial, regional, and municipal elections.
“More than 18,469 residents in 101 nations—including the UK, Netherlands, Germany, the US, Ireland, UAE, China, Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, Portugal, and Belgium—the South African Electoral Commission has developed an online registration portal system. Thanks to this method, South Africans living abroad can now easily register for the 2024 national elections,” says the IEC.
The above-mentioned source outlines the process that needs to be followed by these citizens:
- Go to the IEC website: The official Electoral Commission website is www.elections.org.za.
- Select ‘Register to Vote Abroad’: Click the ‘Register to Vote Abroad’ menu item on the website homepage.
- Complete the online form: Provide correct and current information while completing the online registration form.
- Provide supporting documents: The sender must ensure they meet the requirements by providing supporting documentation, such as a passport and South African identity certificate.
- Verify and submit: Review the information before submitting the online registration form.
- Confirmation and follow-up: After submission, a confirmation email acknowledging the registration will be issued. The IEC may ask you for any additional information or clarification.
Also see: Confused about the voting process? Here’s an 8-step guide to help
