Leaders Cast Ballots in Highly Contested South African Vote

South Africans have started casting their votes on Wednesday at various locations such as schools, community centers, and large white tents in open fields. This election is considered the most crucial in the country’s history in the last 30 years, potentially placing the young democracy in uncharted territory.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by his wife Tshepo Motsepe, voted in the Johannesburg township of Soweto. The election will determine the fate of the African National Congress party, which has been in power for three decades since leading South Africa out of apartheid in 1994.

With half of the country’s 62 million people living in poverty, the ANC is facing growing discontent among a new generation. The deep-rooted socioeconomic issues, such as high unemployment rates of 32%, continue to plague Africa’s most advanced economy.

Despite winning six consecutive national elections, recent polls suggest that the ANC’s support is below 50% for the upcoming election, marking an unprecedented decline. While the party is expected to retain the most seats in Parliament, it may lose its majority for the first time.

Ramaphosa, the ANC leader, has pledged to improve the situation, while the party has appealed for more time and patience from the voters.