The Electoral Commission (IEC) has outlined the process for South Africans voting abroad this weekend, allaying the fears of those who are unfamiliar with the procedures for voting in an overseas setting.

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said Friday 17 May will mark yet another milestone in the elections timetable – the first day of voting in the National and Provincial Elections 2024 – when citizens abroad can vote.

“South African citizens living in other countries will cast the first ballots on 17 May 2024. Nine countries will cast ballots on Friday while the rest of the 102 will cast ballots on Saturday, 18 May 2024,” Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said at a media briefing held in Pretoria earlier this week.

“Given the high numbers of expected voters in London at 24 194, this station will operate on both the 18 and 19 May 2024.”

Mamabolo said the international segment of the voters roll for out-of-country voters has 56 698 voters, but the total number of people expected to vote is 76 580.

“This comes after the approval of 20 886 VEC10 notifications from voters who informed the Chief Electoral Officer of their intention to vote outside of the country due to temporary absence,” he said.

The commissioner said the IEC was ready to ensure that voting goes smoothly in 111 foreign missions around the world.

“All missions have already received the election materials, which include ballot papers, voting booths, ballot boxes, envelopes and a voter list.”

Voting stations will be open from 07:00am to 19:00pm, allowing 76 580 voters to exercise their right to vote in South Africa’s 2024 National Elections.

“On both voting days abroad, the Electoral Commission will keep extended hours to assist voters with any enquiries,” he said.

SA citizens voting out-of-country in the 2024 National Election can only vote on one day at their mission:

• Missions with a work week from Sunday–Thursday vote on Friday, 17 May, from 7am to 7pm. The following countries are determined to vote on this Friday: Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Ramallah, Riyad and Teheran.
• Missions with a work week from Monday–Friday vote on Saturday, 18 May, from 7am to 7pm.
• Two days of special votes have been determined for the UK based on the number of voters who will vote at that mission.

Watch the full briefing below:

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