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Sas Poll Triumph As Voters Usher In New Political Era

South African Embassy, BerlinRef: https://www.suedafrika.org/en/news-archive/newsarchive-details/datum/2009/04/23/sas-poll-triumph-as-voters-usher-in-new-political-era.html

Official source

Source domain: suedafrika.org

Collected on 13 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 14 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This is a news article published on the South African Embassy in Germany website (RSS/news archive) dated 23 April 2009. It reports on South Africa’s election held the previous day, describing it as a record poll with generally smooth proceedings despite logistical problems and some irregularities under investigation. The article states that the ANC was expected to return to office with a large majority (predictions around 66%–70%) and that the main political interest was which party would become the official opposition, with speculation between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Congress of the People (COPE). It also notes that Jacob Zuma was expected to be inaugurated on 9 May.

Facts

Places

Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal

Reference

https://www.suedafrika.org/en/news-archive/newsarchive-details/datum/2009/04/23/sas-poll-triumph-as-voters-usher-in-new-political-era.html

Key Takeaways

  • Date of article: 23 April 2009
  • Election day referenced: 'yesterday' (day before article)
  • ANC expected majority: 66%-70% (some leaders predicting 68%)
  • IEC description: harmonious, carnival-like and tranquil
  • Logistical issues: insufficient ballot papers and boxes; some voters given more than two ballot papers
  • Voting deadline: 9pm; IEC decided not to extend despite long queues
  • Irregularities implicated presiding officers in Ulundi, Brits and Mpumalanga; reported to police and under investigation
  • Minor incident mentioned: Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal
  • Zuma inauguration date: 9 May
  • Official opposition speculation: DA likely second-largest; COPE expected 15%-25%
  • South African Embassy (Berlin)
  • Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
  • African National Congress (ANC)
  • Congress of the People (COPE)
  • Democratic Alliance (DA)
  • Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)
  • Jacob Zuma
  • Ngoako Ramatlhodi
  • Mike Moriarty
  • Mosiuoa Lekota
  • Business Day
  • Police (mentioned as receiving reports)