JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa on Thursday called on its citizens living abroad to register to vote in the country's national and provincial elections that will be held this year.
"The IEC is pleased to announce that over 18,469 South African citizens living in 101 countries around the world have started registering to vote using the newly launched online registration portal system," IEC's Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said when addressing the media in Johannesburg.
Noting that the system has been operational since December 2023, Mamabolo said the IEC appeals to citizens living outside the country who are eligible to vote to take advantage of the upcoming registration weekend on Jan. 26-28.
Mamabolo said the upcoming 2024 elections offer an important opportunity for all South Africans to have their voices heard, and they have put in place all necessary measures to ensure that all eligible citizens vote in the 2024 elections.
South Africa will hold the presidential and parliamentary elections and local government elections this year. ■
