In a prelude to South Africa’s general elections, special voting began on Monday, allowing those with work commitments or special needs to participate early in a pivotal poll.
Approximately 1.6 million of the 27.6 million registered voters are eligible for early voting, according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
The special voting saw essential workers heading to polling stations across the country on Monday, casting their ballots two days prior to the official election day.
The IEC has also arranged for election agents to visit 624,000 individuals with mobility issues at their homes, ensuring their democratic right is exercised.
As the nation anticipates the results of its seventh general election since end of apartheid, opinion polls suggest a potential shift in power, with the governing African National Congress at risk of losing its absolute parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994.
The outcome of Wednesday’s general vote is eagerly awaited as it could herald a historic turning point in South Africa’s political narrative.
JN/APA