As the countdown to the main event on 29 May intensifies, South Africans worldwide have already begun marking their X’s on their ballots. With over 78,000 registered voters at 111 global missions, this special election weekend, from 17 to 19 May, showcased the unbreakable spirit of democracy among South Africans abroad. And let’s be honest, it also showcased our unparalleled talent for turning any queue into a social event.
If there’s one thing that South Africans abroad know how to do, it’s to make a grand entrance. With a staggering 24,000 registered voters, the South African mission in London, open for voting on 18 and 19 May, resembled a mini South African festival, complete with biltong and a few choruses of Shosholoza. Other major stations, including those in the Netherlands, Australia, Mauritius, the United States, Spain, France, and Abu Dhabi, held their votes on May 18. Thousands of South Africans queued for hours, turning the process into a social event, with many voters proudly sporting Springbok rugby shirts.
Special votes are designed to ensure that those who cannot vote on the main election day still get their chance. This year, special measures were put in place from May 17 to 18 in 111 South African missions worldwide to accommodate around 78,000 citizens.
The IEC reported that all ballots cast and unused ballots from the 111 missions will be securely transported back to South Africa for verification and counting in the presence of party representatives and observers. While any reports on voter turnout remain speculative until counting begins after the main election on May 29, the enthusiasm and turnout at overseas stations are promising indicators of democratic engagement.
With the overseas voting wrapped up, the Electoral Commission is now shifting its focus to preparations for in-country special voting on May 27 and 28, ahead of the main event on May 29. As South Africans abroad have shown, every vote counts, and the upcoming election could be a pivotal moment for the nation’s future.
