Pretoria - Social networks are abuzz as “born-frees” cannot contain their excitement about voting for the first time today.
This year, South Africans born after the first democratic elections in 1994 are eligible to vote for the first time, twenty years later.
According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), “born-frees" make up about 2.5% of the 25 million registered voters.
And if Facebook and Twitter are anything to go by, then born frees are expected to dominate coverage in this year's elections.
Most of them have expressed their excitement to vote for the first time, with many posting the pictures of their inked thumbs.
Lungelo Angelo Grey tweeted: “So emotional about voting, because so many people died to ensure that you and I could vote”.
Zizipho Qhawekazi tweeted: “As a kid, I would accompany my parents to the poll stations, today I will cast my very first vote!”
While Tasmia Jansen wrote: “I voted for the first time today. Such a good feeling to know that I'm making my voice heard”.
Political parties have pulled out all stops to woo first time voters.
It is set to be a difficult choice as the national ballot is the longest yet with 29 parties contesting.
Vote counting will commence from Wednesday night. – SAnews.gov.za
