CAPE TOWN: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially scheduled the country’s general elections to take place on May 29, 2024. The announcement was made on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s democratic process.
This year’s vote may prove historic, with opinion polls showing Ramaphosa’s ANC party on less than 50% for the first time in South Africa’s three decades of democracy.
In a statement issued by the presidency, President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of exercising the democratic right to vote and urged all eligible South Africans to participate peacefully in the electoral process.
30 Years of Freedom and Democracy in South Africa
The upcoming elections coincide with South Africa’s commemoration of 30 years of freedom and democracy, following the historic 1994 general election that marked the end of apartheid rule and the beginning of majority rule under the African National Congress and Nelson Mandela.
According to constitutional provisions, President Ramaphosa consulted with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and convened a meeting with all nine Provincial Premiers and the IEC to discuss the state of readiness for the elections.
The president underscored the significance of the upcoming elections, not only as a constitutional obligation but also as a celebration of South Africa’s democratic journey and a determination of its future trajectory.
Ramaphosa urged unregistered voters to utilize the online registration platform to register and participate in shaping the country’s future. With preparations underway and political campaigns set to commence, South Africa braces for a pivotal moment in its democratic history as it heads towards the 2024 general elections.