With only three days left before the May 29 general elections, political parties are gearing up for a busy weekend as they prepare for their final election campaigns in various parts of the country. This weekend holds great significance as it precedes the highly anticipated 2024 National Elections scheduled for next week Wednesday. 

A WEEKEND OF RALLIES 

The African National Congress, currently in power with Cyril Ramaphosa as their leader, will be hosting their Siyanqoba Rally at the FNB Stadium in Nasrec today. This rally is expected to be one of their largest campaign events, following their successful manifesto launch held at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in March.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters will be taking their Tshela Thupa rally to Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo this morning. Julius Malema, the party leader, is expected to announce the preferred candidate for Limpopo Premier, as well as to reveal Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi as the Gauteng Premier candidate.

In addition, the newly formed Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), led by former President Jacob Zuma, will host their Mayibuye Rally at Hammarsdale Stadium outside Durban also today. This event is expected to reveal the successor to Zuma's leadership in parliament after the elections. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), led by Velenkosini Hlabisa, will hold their Siyanqoba Rally at Richards Bay Sports Complex north of KwaZulu-Natal. This election will be the first without their founder and former leader, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who passed away in 2023. Lastly, the Democratic Alliance (DA) will host their We Can Rescue SA Rally tommorow in Benoni, Johannesburg.

 The DA says it aims to garner more support and secure partnerships with smaller parties to increase their chances of success in the upcoming elections. Overall, this weekend will witness a flurry of campaign activities as political parties make their final push to win over voters and secure their positions in the 2024 elections. Unlike other parties, ActionSA will be hosting an online address to their supporters on Sunday at 5pm.

VOTERS 

According to the IEC, over 28 million voters will cast their votes on 29 May while 1,6 million applied for special votes to take place next week Monday and Tuesday. A total of 70 political parties and 11 independent candidates will contest the elections and the national ballot paper will have 52 parties listed. After the elections, the IEC will have seven days to announce full results.