By Muthoni Maina
The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa is currently engaged in the process of tallying the votes cast on May 29th, 2024, during the highly anticipated national elections.
This momentous election not only marks the climax of three decades of ANC governance but also symbolizes a significant milestone in South Africa’s democratic journey.
Since the abolition of the apartheid regime and establishment of democracy in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) has maintained its position as the predominant political party, shaping the nation’s political landscape and policy direction.
In the unique electoral system of South Africa, voters exercise their democratic rights by selecting political parties rather than individual presidential candidates. These elected parties subsequently determine the composition of the legislature, including the members of parliament responsible for electing the President.
The election process unfolded seamlessly across all nine provinces, with polling stations operating from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, accommodating the diverse needs of a population of nearly 61 million.
Despite the logistical challenges posed by the sheer magnitude of voters, stringent measures were in place to ensure that all eligible citizens had the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. Notably, all voters queued at closing time were granted the chance to cast their ballots, underscoring the commitment to inclusivity and fairness.
Following the conclusion of voting activities, the crucial task of counting commenced promptly, with dedicated teams diligently scrutinizing each ballot to ensure accuracy and transparency.
So far, after completion of counting in 133 out of 23,293 voting districts, ANC is still leading with 13,383 votes(49.37%support) DA party 7109votes (26.22%support),EFF party 1947votes (7.18% support) as the rest of the parties follow.
As the nation awaits the final tally, on Sunday, anticipation mounts, reflecting the profound significance of this democratic exercise in shaping the future trajectory of South Africa.