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Hundreds of South Africans vote in New York

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Hundreds of voters turned out to cast their ballots in New York, as the overseas vote in South Africa’s national election proceeded without many obstacles. This was part of over 1400 voters registered to cast ballots at four South African missions around the United States.

Voters could select from 48 parties on the ballot paper for inclusion in the national vote count.

It was a long day for voting officials in New York, a voting station that opened at 7am local time and remained open until 11.30pm to allow for voters observing the Sabbath to come out and cast their ballots after sunset.

Some were first time voters and there were those who have done this before but all expressed the importance of honouring their civic duty as South Africans.

South Africa’s Ambassador to the United Nations and his spouse Flo emphasized the importance of the country’s 25 year democracy and the hard won right to vote as among the country’s fundamental freedoms. Many voters emphasized the need for a stronger economy, their frustration with corruption and as first time voters, the excitement of participating in this democratic process.

All ballots submitted at voting stations abroad will be shipped to South Africa to be included in the national vote count at the IEC’s Headquarters in Pretoria.

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