South Africa to hold elections on May 29 - President Cyril Ramaphosa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared May 29, 2024, as the official date for the country's upcoming general elections.

President Ramaphosa made the announcement on Tuesday evening.

The ruling African National Congress party is facing its biggest challenge to its national majority since its victory in 1994. Key issues such as unemployment, power cuts, corruption and inequality are expected to play a crucial role in the vote.

 “President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in accordance with section 49(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, read with section 17 of the Electoral Act of 1998, determined 29 May 2024, as the date for the 2024 General National and Provincial elections,” confirmed Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
“The President has also, in line with section 17(2) of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, consulted with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on the election date. Furthermore, the President convened a meeting with all nine Provincial Premiers and the IEC to discuss the state of readiness for the General elections.”

Marking a significant year for South Africa, the 2024 elections coincide with the nation's 30th anniversary of freedom and democracy. Recognising this historical confluence, President Ramaphosa has urged all eligible voters to actively participate in this crucial democratic process.

South Africa’s electoral commission reported that over 27 million registered voters following their final February registration drive, surpassing the 26.75 million registered in the 2019 elections.

“Beyond the fulfillment of our constitutional obligation, these upcoming elections are also a celebration of our democratic journey and a determination of the future that we all desire,” said President Ramaphosa.

“I call on all South Africans to exercise their democratic right to vote and for those who will be campaigning to do so peacefully, within the full observance of the law. We also urge unregistered voters to use the online registration platform to register.

“The proclamation to declare the date will be issued in due course.”