Pretoria – South Africans will vote in the 2014 general election on Wednesday, 7 May.
The announcement was made today by President Jacob Zuma.
This will be the fifth democratic elections, where all South Africans above the age of 18 will have an opportunity to elect their provincial and national leadership.
The electoral term of the present government will come to an end on 22 April.
“We are very proud of the manner in which we adhere to constitutional and democratic processes in our country. We hold national general elections without fail every five years, which demonstrates the maturing of our democracy,” said Zuma on Friday.
Zuma said he has met with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and Premiers to discuss preparations.
“I am satisfied that the IEC preparations are at an advanced stage… These are historic elections as they take place during the 20th anniversary of our freedom from apartheid bondage.
“They provide an opportunity for us to further consolidate the democracy and freedom that we worked so hard to achieve, and for which esteemed South Africans such as former President Nelson Mandela sacrificed life’s comforts for,” said the President.
This weekend (8 and 9 February) is the last voter registration weekend. Zuma urged citizens, especially first time voters, to take advantage of this opportunity to register. Voting stations all around the country will be open from 8am – 5pm on both days.
Zuma urged all South Africans to promote peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the period leading up to the elections and during the elections.
“Let us make this a vibrant, robust, exciting, peaceful and most successful election, and maintain our track record of successful elections,” said Zuma. – SAnews.gov.za
