Eligible voters urged to register for polls before Ramaphosa proclaims election date

JOHANNESBURG - South Africans who are eligible to vote still have a small window to register for the fast-approaching polls, as President Cyril Ramaphosa is yet to proclaim 29 May as the date for elections. 
 
The president’s office announced on Tuesday night that the country will hold its seventh democratic elections in May, however, it said that Ramaphosa would proclaim the date soon.
 
Once the date has been proclaimed, the voters roll will close, meaning that no new registrations can take place.
 
More than 27 million South Africans are registered to vote, however, 14 million others remain unregistered but are eligible to do so.
 
Political parties are urging South Africans who are not yet registered for the 29 May polls to do so as soon as possible.
 
This as the country counts down to Ramaphosa proclaiming the date, automatically closing the voters roll.
 
Several opposition parties have welcomed the news, as they each announced that they were ready to intensify their different campaigns.
 
Freedom Front Plus leader, Pieter Groenewald said that the announcement brought some certainty to voters, who could now plan their lives with the 29 May date in mind.

"They have a very short period, we expect the proclamation of the election by Friday."
 
Voters can still register online or at their municipal offices and those who will be relocating or voting from a different address can still make arrangements for the day.