South Africa's General Election Results Delayed, Commission Says Not Before Sunday

South Africa's general elections, held on Wednesday, are not expected to yield final results until Sunday, according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). IEC Chief Executive Sy Mamabolo, speaking from the IEC Results Centre in Johannesburg, emphasized that all voters in line by 9 pm would be accommodated. This announcement came amidst a flurry of last-minute voters in major cities, stretching the voting process into the night.

Mamabolo addressed various challenges faced during the voting day, including electrical outages and disruptions at polling stations. Despite these hurdles, he reassured that no voter would be turned away. The IEC is dealing with a significant influx of voters in key provinces such as Gauteng, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. Mamabolo firmly stated that there would be no extension into a second day of voting.

The expectation for voter turnout is high, potentially surpassing the 66% participation rate of the 2019 elections. However, official estimates will only be made post-voting. Counting is set to begin immediately after polls close, with initial results from smaller stations expected early Thursday morning. Yet, the final tally will not be announced before Sunday. This delay is attributed to the introduction of a third ballot paper and a record number of political parties and independent candidates.

Voters faced a complex choice with three ballot papers: one for national parties for the National Assembly's 200 seats, another for regional parties or independents for the remaining 200 Assembly seats, and a third for provincial legislature elections. This election has garnered unprecedented attention due to speculation that the African National Congress (ANC) might lose its majority for the first time since Nelson Mandela's presidency began 30 years ago. Analysts point to widespread dissatisfaction with government corruption and poor service delivery as key factors influencing this shift.

The presence of numerous political entities and independent candidates reflects a vibrant democratic process but also underscores the challenges in managing such a multifaceted election. As South Africa waits for the final results, the focus remains on whether this election will mark a significant change in its political landscape.