S. Africa Begins Local Government ElectionEligible voters thronged to polling stations across South Africa on Tuesday, December 5, to elect local government councilors, with electoral officials saying the atmosphere is peaceful.Independent Electoral Commission spokesman Terry Tselane said everything is running smoothly according to plan and no major problems have been reported. According to South African Press Association, Voters will elect councilors in 284 municipalities for a new system of local governments. More than 30,000 candidates are competing for about 9,000 council seats up for grabs in the 3,754 wards making up local, district and metropolitan councils. Casting his ballot at the Transvaal Automobile Club in Johannesburg, former president Nelson Mandela urged other voters to let their voices heard. Asked who he was voting for, Mandela said: "I'm voting for South Africa." "It is important for all South Africans of the required age to vote as elections give people the right to determine the destiny of their own country," the former president stressed. |
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