Today, May 29, 2024, South Africans will cast their ballots in the country’s most competitive election since the end of apartheid. The African National Congress (ANC), led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is seeking to maintain its dominance after 30 years in power. However, opinion polls  suggest that the ANC may lose its parliamentary majority for the first time.

Voters are eager for change, citing high unemployment, crime, and corruption as top concerns. The ANC’s share of the vote has gradually declined in recent years, and the party faces stiff competition from the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

The DA, led by John Steenhuisen, is positioning itself as a pro-business alternative, while the EFF, led by Julius Malema, is campaigning on a platform of radical economic transformation and land reform. Former President Jacob Zuma’s new party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), is also vying for votes.

Over 27 million South Africans are registered to vote, and polling stations will be open from 5am to 9pm. Voters will elect provincial assemblies and a new national parliament, which will then choose the next president.

The election commission expects to release partial results within hours of polling stations closing, with final results due by June 2 at the latest.