Vote counting is almost over after a generally peaceful election day, which was marked by high voter turnout across the country.
THE country's fourth democratic elections are drawing to a close, having had a large voter turnout.
Polling day, 22 April, turned out to be a chilly autumn day in Johannesburg, but the cold did not deter citizens from joining ever-lengthening lines at the 759 polling stations across the city, waiting patiently to mark their ballots.
More than two million voters registered in Joburg, says the IEC
According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) more than two million voters were registered in Joburg's 109 wards. A large number of first time voters were in the queues.
"The fourth democratic elections went well even though there were reports that there were a few minor incidents," said the IEC regional supervisor for Johannesburg, Rafick Charles. "One of the highlights of the voting day was the great turnout by the public, including first time voters."
According to the IEC, it was a calm and peaceful day, marked by a significantly high turnout. "The number of people voting has grown since the 1994 elections," said Charles.
In some places, polling stations ran out of ballot papers. "For the first time in the 15 years that I've worked for the IEC, ballot papers ran out," said the commission's deputy municipal electoral officer for Johannesburg, Greg Daniels. "We had to call for an emergency reprint. Ballot boxes ran out as well."
Busy
The busiest polling station in Johannesburg was Joubert Park, where 12 000 people had registered to vote.
Despite the long queue and cold weather, the atmosphere was calm at the Apostolic Faith Mission Theological Seminary polling station in Auckland Park, with young voters chatting to friends and family.
"I cannot wait to vote, even though the weather is not the best," said student Thami Mtileni. There was "no way" he would leave the line.
"I am voting for the first time and I am really excited. I am voting because it is my responsibility, if I do not vote then I cannot complain. I want to see change."
Another first-time voter, Baby Nchoba, said: "Young people know that they have the power to choose who should lead the country and they are exercising that power."
The sentiments were echoed by Sibahle Mthethwa: "South African youth is not as irresponsible as it is perceived to be, as young people are taking a stand."
In contrast to the long queues at many of Joburg's polling stations, voting at Park Primary School in Lenasia took less than five minutes.
Vote counting and verifying is under way, with the ANC in a comfortable lead. Final results will be announced this weekend, according to the IEC.
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