Long queues as South Africa votes with ANC rule in balance

“We are experiencing a late surge and are processing a large number of voters,” the IEC’s head Sy Mamabolo told a press conference less than an hour before polls were due to close.

All those who joined the line before 9:00 pm would be allowed to vote, he said.

Earlier the IEC said seven per cent of stations opened late because of delays in delivering election materials.

After voting, President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is seeking re-election, said: “I have no doubt whatsoever in my heart of hearts that the people will once again invest confidence in the ANC to continue leading this country.”

But John Steenhuisen, leader of the biggest opposition party the Democratic Alliance (DA), predicted no single party would win an outright majority, creating an opening for his party and an alliance of smaller outfits.

“For the first time in 30 years, there’s an opportunity for change in South Africa,” he said after voting in his home city, Durban.