Sifiso Zulu26 February 2024 | 8:48

Elections 2024: IEC makes provision for expats to vote

Expats or travelers abroad will be able to vote in their location before election day in South Africa on 29 May 2024.

Elections 2024: IEC makes provision for expats to vote

Picture: Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says provisions will be made for South Africans who won't be in the country on voting day. 

President Cyril Ramaphsoa has since declared 29 May as the date for the country to go to the polls. 

At least 27 million South Africans have been registered and are eligible to vote.

The commission is expected to give the total number on Monday, and general preparations for the elections.

The IEC's Michael Hendrickse said the cut-off date to notify the commission if you're not in the country during that period is 22 April 2024. 

He says expats living abroad will cast their ballots several days before voters head to the polls in South Africa.

"Voting at our missions abroad will be on the 17 and 18 May. It is about 10 days before the time because obviously it's around the world and we need to make sure all those ballots come back to South Africa in time to be counted counted for the election as well." 

This is a few days before the time so they can make its way back to SA to be counted for the elections."