South African expats vote in Nigeria

(LAGOS)

About 150 South Africans on Wednesday cast their votes in Nigeria ahead of their national and provincial elections slated for May 7.

Consul-General of South African High Commission, Mokgethi Monaisa, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that “this is the first time South Africans will be voting outside their country.

“They voted in Lagos and Abuja like in other parts of the world. Out of these votes, 120 South Africans voted in Lagos while another 30 of them voted in Abuja.

“We believe that it is the constitutional right of every South African to vote for their choice of candidates irrespective of where they live in the world.

“It is now their chance to exercise their voting rights once in every five years,” Monaisa said.

The consul-general said the ballot boxes would be sealed and sent to South Africa tonight, and would be counted with the overall votes on May 7.

He commended South Africans in Nigeria for coming to vote in the country’s first Diaspora elections.

Mrs Koketso Dibestso, one of the voters, expressed joy at her government’s decision to allow its citizens to vote from any part of the world.

“This is good enough and very well organized. It is really a good experience being able to vote in my country from Lagos, Nigeria.

“The opportunity has given me and others a sense of belonging and participation in our country’s elections,” she said.

Another voter, Mrs Dainty O’Grady, said it was “a step in the right direction,” adding that it would enhance development in South Africa.

“Today, although I am in Nigeria, I now know that I have a say in the affairs of my country from here,” she said.

Voting materials and officials were ready before the voting which commenced at 10 a.m. Registration and voting for the elections, which took place at the South African High Commission in Victoria Island, Lagos, were hitched free.

(NAN)