After much bitching and moaning, much torment, badmouthing and ragging of the SA government, a mere 16 240 voters registered to vote abroad for the 2009 elections.
Let’s see the breakdown shall we:
London with 7 472
Canberra, Australia with 1 235
Dubai, United Arab Emirates with 900
Wellington, New Zealand with 410
The Hague, Netherlands with 378
Dublin, Ireland with 360
Wow. Here’s a small fact for you: There are estimated to be over 600 000 South African expats living abroad in LONDON ALONE. Of those ± 600 000 an embarrassing 7472 registered to vote. That is a shocking 1.24% of the expat population in London that bothered to register or apply to vote abroad in the upcoming elections.
I hate to take a rough stand here, but I want the names of the 7472 voters that registered in London because they are the only people living in the UK from SA that I ever want to hear talk about South Africa in a good or bad light. Either make your way back here so that voting isn’t “such a mission” for you over there, or just let go of SA.
As for the rest of the expat population, shame on you. Or Goodbye and thanks for all the fish.
Thank you to the ± 16 000 people who registered to vote abroad, now just be sure to get that vote in, every vote counts.
According to the IEC, South Africans voting at missions abroad must produce both their South African green bar-coded identity document or valid temporary identity certificate as well as their passport when they vote.
“Without these documents, voting will not be permitted. At the mission, they will also be required to complete an application form for a special vote, called a VEC 1 form.
“Voting stations at South African missions abroad will be open from 7am until 7pm,” the IEC said.
Voting times on 20 and 21 April in South Africa will be from 9am until 5pm.
Be sure to remember to take all the necessary documents to avoid disappointment.
Popularity: 12% [?]
