Expats urged to register for national polls

The Independent Electoral Commission has called on all South Africans abroad to start registering to vote in this year's elections.

They have little time in which to do so but there are more places to vote at than there were in 2009.

In 2009, the Constitutional Court found that South African citizens had the constitutional right to vote irrespective of whether they were living in the country or abroad.

For the 2009 elections, citizens abroad could vote, but only at embassies and high commissions.

Last year, the Electoral Act was amended to allow South Africans abroad to vote on the national ballot but not on provincial ballots.

Citizens living abroad are required to register in person either in South Africa or at any of the country 's 124 embassies, high commissions or consulates spread across 108 countries. They need to be in possession of a valid South African identity document and passport .

Those already registered do not need to register again.

Registration will take place during office hours until February 7 .

Provision has also been made for two special registration weekends - on January 18 and 19 and January 25 and 26 - to accommodate those unable to register during normal working hours.