IEC encouraged by international voting turn out, as London registrations trump all

JOHANNESBURG – The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC)’s voting station in London has more registered voters than the biggest polling station in South Africa. 

Data from the commission shows there are 19,518 South Africans registered to vote in the English consulate.

In comparison, the biggest voting station in South Africa is Joubert Park in Johannesburg, with a little over 15,000 registered voters. 

There are 58,000 South African citizens living abroad who have registered to vote in the country’s many embassies across the world.

Some political parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA) have held major election campaigns outside the country.

Chief electoral officer, Sy Mamabolo, said the IEC was encouraged by the international turnout.

“Clearly, we need to support the co-officials at the mission to ensure that they administer the voting process with those throngs of South African citizens who are going to be voting in London.”

Meanwhile, the IEC said it would be appealing the Electoral Court decision which ordered it to expand voting stations abroad to also honorary consulates. 

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