South Africa sees Historic Voter Turnout in 2024 Elections Despite Challenges Faced

Image:(Nsuku khosa) Pretoria CBD youth queuing to vote.

(The Post News)- The 2024 elections in South Africa on 29 May, Wednesday made a historical move with the voting turnout becoming the highest in the history of democracy.

A lot of young people took a stand and registered to vote for this year’s elections and went to vote in numbers, despite initial concerns about voters’ lack of concern and logistical challenges, the election day witnessed an impressive number in participation.

According to the Electoral Commission, the 2024 elections recorded a notable increase in voter turnout, with over 75% of registered voters casting their ballots.

This figure surpasses the previous election’s turnout, indicating a growing engagement and commitment from South African citizens in shaping their country’s future.

39.7 million South Africans had the right to vote and over 27.7 million registered to vote. This was the highest recorded number of registered votes in the history of democracy.

The total valid votes were significantly higher than the spoiled votes, with 98.68% valid votes and 1.32% spoiled votes, indicating a strong turnout and positive engagement in the election results.

However, the successful turnout was not without its challenges.

A voter from Ikagenge voting station said, “A bakkie carrying the boxes arrived without being escorted by the police and when it got here one of them was already opened. I took pictures and showed send to the SABC.”

At Durban City Hall voting station people complained about how the lines were so long the whole day, people argued that the process was slow leading to some people giving up and going home.

The impressive voter turnout sends a strong message about South Africans’ commitment to democracy and exercising their democratic right to vote.