Overseas Voting: South Africa

Information about voting in South African elections from abroad...

Elections in South African are managed by the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

South Africans who are 18 years or older, living and working outside of the country, may vote in national general elections providing they are registered voters and on the electoral roll.

Voter registration

South African citizens over the age of 16, who have a green, bar-coded ID book may register to vote, although no vote may be cast until 18 years old. It is possible to check your voter registration details online.

Note: Registration may be done in-person at an IEC office or a South African Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. Re-registration is not required for voters living abroad.

Voting from abroad

The voter must complete a Notification for Overseas Votes (VEC 10) form, and send it to the IEC before the deadline specified on the election timetable. These forms are made available before elections once election dates have been announced.

Voting then takes place at a South African Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in the normal place of residence, on a date prior to the actual elections and set by the Independent Electoral Commission.

Note: The voting date is fixed and no exceptions will be made.

The local South African Consulate will have full information on the procedures for overseas voting when an election is called. Voters will need to present a valid South African passport.

Further information