08 Sep 2024 South African General Elections. Who may Vote?

In 2024, there will be a general election in South Africa to choose a new National Assembly and each province’s provincial assembly. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, it will be the seventh election to be held under the terms of universal adult suffrage, which is the right that all adult citizens may vote. At each provincial legislature’s open session, the new National Council of Provinces will be chosen. With the exception of the Government of National Unity from 1994 to 1999 and the Inkatha Freedom Party from 1999 to 2004, the African National Congress (ANC) has consistently held a majority of seats in the National Assembly since the first post-apartheid election in 1994 and has thus operated alone ever since.

A parliamentary system of government is used in South Africa. The President of South Africa is distinct from other heads of state in parliamentary systems in that he also serves as the head of the government and has executive powers. The National Assembly now consists of 400 members who were chosen under a closed list proportional representation system. The other 200 members are chosen from provincial party lists in each of the nine provinces, while 200 are chosen from national party lists.

Every South African citizen who is 18 years of age or older and is listed on the national common voters’ roll is qualified to vote in elections. You may cast one vote (per ballot paper) in the district for which you are enrolled in. Wherever you typically reside, you must register and your name will show on the voter list for the voting district once you register there.

How to register?                                    

There are two simple ways to register if you’re a first-time voter:

1. Visit the voting station in your neighbourhood during the one registration weekend date, which will be revealed closer to election day. You can easily and swiftly register to vote because every voting station will be open from 8am to 5pm on the day.
2. If you have internet access, you can register online at registertovote.elections.org.za up until the announcement of the elections.

Your South African ID, whether it be a smart ID card, green ID book or a legitimate temporary ID, is all you need to register. You don’t need to provide proof of address; you only need to provide address information.

June Luna Immigration Attorneys can offer you assistance, guidance and advice you may need for a successful voting experience – including assistance with obtaining new identity documents from home affairs if yours have been misplaced or stolen.

If you have any inquiries about the general election in South Africa, please don’t hesitate to contact us.