As a South African, my heart is back in my country today as everyone there is making their way to the polling booths to vote for a new government.
Bathandwa Mbola writes: It is now that the maturity of South Africa's young democracy will become evident.
The current government's term will come to an end as South Africans take to the polls to elect a new President and administration in a free and fair election.
It was only 15 years ago that change was ushered in when eligible citizens took to the polling stations in 1994 to cast their votes, paving the way for Nelson Mandela to become the first democratically elected President of the Republic.
Parliamentary elections are held every five years, where all South Africans aged 18 or older are eligible to vote, but must register to be included on the voter's roll to do so.
South Africa uses a proportional representation voting system that is based on political party lists at national and provincial levels. Voters do not vote for individuals, but for a political party which decides on members to fill the seats it has won.
This means that a registered political party receives a share of seats in Parliament in direct proportion to the number of votes cast for it in the election.
There were 23 million potential voters registered on the voters roll making it the highest recorded number of voters registered since the national common voter's roll was first compiled for the elections in 1999.
This was also the first time in 15 years that expatriates living abroad were eligible to vote. More than 80 000 notices were received from voters abroad intending to vote in the elections, according to the Independent Electoral Commission.
IEC spokesperson, Kate Bapela said this period in South Africa's history was as significant as the events that unfolded in 1994.
She said it was an opportunity to prove that South Africa was not only a world class destination in terms of naturally stunning landscapes, and first-rate tourism and sporting facilities, but is was a serious option for business and investment due to its stable democracy.
Following the close of the polls at 9pm on 22 April the IEC will begin the process of counting votes.
During this period, observers are to be present to ensure that the counting is done in a fair manner. According to the Constitution, the IEC must announce the voting results within seven days of election day.Parliament is made up of two houses - the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. There are 400 Members of Parliament in the National Assembly and 90 members of the National Council of Provinces.
The number of seats allocated to each party depends on the proportion of votes that parties get in the general election. Members of Parliament are appointed by their political parties from lists that the parties compile.
Under South Africa's democratic process, once taking leadership, the President will choose his Cabinet. Cabinet will then hold a meeting to outline a framework for the work of government which will be articulated in the State of the Nation Address.
"This year's Presidential inauguration is going to be one of the largest celebration parties and inaugurations we have ever seen in the history of South Africa."
A glittering audience of Heads of State from all corners of the world, premiers and royalty and representatives from international organisations such as the United Nations, the African Union, the Southern Africa Development Community and others will attend the inauguration of the President. They will be sworn in by Justice Langa and take an oath to serve the country.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to crowd into the grounds of the Union Buildings to witness the inauguration of the President.
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