Cape Town — The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) have confirmed that more than 70 000 South Africans living abroad have cast their vote for the country’s elections.
The 70 000 figure significantly trumps the 20 000 expatriates who voted during the 2019 elections. This figure has shown the commitment and dedication of SA expats to have their vote count and is a positive indicator for democracy, The Citizen reported.
“The groundswell of and enthusiasm for voting abroad by South Africans are always a positive indicator for democracy”, independent elections expert Michael Atkins said.
The IEC said the total number of voters abroad would remain unknown until the votes cast overseas are counted in the country, following the close of voting stations on 29 May, IEC deputy chief electoral officer Shiburi Mashego, said.
One voter in London, Stanley Jacobs, who is the chair of the UK’s Patriotic Alliance, hopes the elections would be a “watershed moment for South Africa”. Ilse Syetl, living in Southampton for 24 years, said she hopes the ANC does not get the majority.
Department of international relations and co-operation spokesperson (DIRCO), Clayson Monyela, has been providing updates of the voters, and said the London voting station in London has provided the biggest turnout.
DA leader, John Steenhuisen, also thanked South Africans for turning out and coming to vote, as part of the party’s “Rescue South Africa” campaign.
The DA would like to thank and commend the tens of thousands of South Africans residing abroad who came out to cast their votes at embassies and consulates around the world this weekend. Thank you for honouring our democracy and thank you for voting to Rescue South Africa. 🇿🇦
— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) May 19, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
