Biggest voter turnout expected in South Africa’s 2024 elections. Image: Pixabay
2024 elections: Highest voter turnout expected since democracy
The 2024 elections in South Africa boast the highest number of voter registration, a 35% increase since 1999, totaling 9.6 million more.
Biggest voter turnout expected in South Africa’s 2024 elections. Image: Pixabay
With an astounding 27.79 million eligible voters, the forthcoming 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024) in South Africa are poised to witness the largest voter turnout since the country’s transition to democracy.
Since its inception before the 1999 national and provincial elections, the voters’ roll has steadily expanded by over 35%, now boasting the highest number of registered voters. This signifies a significant increase of 9.6 million voters since the 1999 general elections.
Breaking down the provincial statistics, Gauteng maintains its position as the largest voting bloc, closely followed by Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape, respectively.
Youth surge: 42% voter representation in elections 2024
A noteworthy aspect of the certified roll is the remarkable surge in representation from the 18-39 age group, constituting 42% or 11.7 million voters.
This surge, surpassing 200% from the 2021 Local Government Elections (LGE 2021), underscores the concerted efforts by the Commission and other stakeholders to address the under-representation of this demographic.
Continuing a longstanding trend, females dominate the voters’ roll, comprising 15 million of the 27.79 million eligible voters, representing over 55% of the total.
Minister urged youth voter registration
Last year, Minister of Higher Education, Angie Motshekga, urged all young people aged 16 and above to obtain Identity Documents (IDs) and register to vote in record numbers for the 2024 national general elections.
She emphasised that registering to vote is not only the “right thing” to do but also a civic duty to sustain the momentum of democracy and elect a government that will advance Madiba’s legacy.
“Our democratic project necessitates the nurturing and infusion of youthful energy. We aspire to build a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic society,” she added.
2024 Elections: Youth dominates last voter registration
Last month reports from The South African indicate that during the last registration weekends for the forthcoming National and Provincial Elections, 77% of new registrations came from young people under the age of 29, totaling 352 524 individuals.
KwaZulu-Natal led in youth registrations with 103 647, followed by Gauteng at 82 168, and the Eastern Cape at 43 673.
