Voting stations have now closed nationwide with only those already inside allowed to still vote.

If the turnout is two-thirds, as in 2019, more than 18 million voters would have exercised their democratic rights by now.

In North West, the ANC is confident it’ll win outright – based on its performance in the recent by-elections where it only lost one ward in Maquassi Hills.

In recent by-elections, the ANC missed out on just one ward.

In the Free State, some problems were reported when voters were only given two ballots instead of three.

Problems also arose early in the day when some polling stations opened late while voters were turned away from where they usually vote.

In the Northern Cape, elderly voters complained about long queues and that young people got preferential treatment in the queues.

In the Northern Cape, voting went smoothly with no unrest reported.

Nationwide, 93% of the polling stations opened on time and the rest within about an hour thereafter. The IEC said it expected more people to vote this time than the 66% in 2019.

As soon as all votes have been cast, the counting begins and so does the long wait for the results to determine who will rule the country for the next five years.

OFM News cg