The 2024 general elections will likely be held between mid-April and early May according to data analysis from previous years. Image: The South African
2024 elections date: Here’s what the data tells us
The 2024 general elections may be held on Wednesday, 8 May if the previous year’s elections date pattern continues.
The 2024 general elections will likely be held between mid-April and early May according to data analysis from previous years. Image: The South African
The 2024 general elections will most likely be held between mid-April and early May, according to an analysis of previous elections dates announcements that was done by The Citizen.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) which hosted its last voter registration drive over the weekend, says over 27 million people have registered to vote but President Cyril Ramaphosa has yet to announce the date of the upcoming elections.
Many believe that Ramaphosa will announce this year’s elections date during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday.
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When have previous elections dates been announced?
In 2019: President Ramaphosa announced the date on 7 February during the annual State of the Nation Address (Sona).
In 2014: President Jacob Zuma announced the date on 7 February.
In 2009: President Kgalema Motlanthe announced the date on 4 February.
In 2004: President Thabo Mbeki announced the date on 12 February.
In 1999: President Mandela announced the date on 3 February.
In 1994: President FW de Klerk announced the date on 6 February.
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WHEN WERE THE PREVIOUS DATES ANNOUNCED?
In 2019: The elections were held on Wednesday 8 May. The ANC got 57.50% of the total votes, with the DA 20.77%, and EFF 10.80%. Voter turnout was 66.05 %.
In 2014: They were held on Wednesday 7 May. The ANC got 62.15% of the total votes, with the DA 22.23%, and EFF 6.35%. Voter turnout was 73.48 %.
In 2009: They were held on Wednesday 22 April. The ANC got 65.90% of the total votes, with the DA 16.66%, and COPE 7.42%. Voter turnout was 77.3 %.
In 2004: They were held on Wednesday 14 April. The ANC got 69.69% of the total votes, with the DA 12.37%, and IFP 6.97%. Voter turnout was 76.73 %.
In 1999: The elections were held on Wednesday 2 June. The ANC got 66.35% of the total votes, with the DP 9.56%, and IFP 8.58%. Voter turnout was 89.3 %.
In 1994: They were held between Tuesday 26 and Friday 29 April. The ANC got 62.65% of the total votes, with the NP 20.39%, and IFP 10.54%. Voter turnout was 86.87%.
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IF PATTERN CONTINUES POLLS WILL BE HELD ON 8 MAY 2024
Based on this data, the elections will likely be held in mid-April to early May. The last two polls have been held on Wednesday during the second week of May.
If this pattern continues, elections may be held on Wednesday, 8 May.
