The much-anticipated general election date has finally been announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The election will take place on 29 May 2024. This is in accordance with Section 49 (2) of the Constitution of South Africa, read with section 17 of the Electoral Act of 1988.

READY

The presidency said in a statement that Ramaphosa has also convened a meeting with all nine provincial premiers and the IEC to discuss the state of readiness for the general elections prior to his announcement.

30 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY

"These upcoming elections in particular coincide with South Africa's celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy. Therefore, President Ramaphosa has called on all those who are eligible to vote to fully make their mark by voting. Beyond the fulfilment of our constitutional obligation, these upcoming elections are also a celebration of our democratic journey and a determination of the future that we all desire," the presidency said. Ramaphosa also called on political parties who will be campaigning to do so peacefully, within the full observance of the law. "We also urge unregistered voters to use the online registration platform to register," Ramaphosa said. He said proclamation to declare the date will be added in the Government Gazette. Once its proclaimed, voter registration will also be closed. The IEC announced a few weeks ago that there were more than 27.4 million people who were registered to vote following two registration weekends in November and February.