The Republic of South Africa is voting for the fifth time since the end of apartheid 20 years ago to choose a new President.

About 25 million people have registered to vote and are somehow equal to half of the total population of the country.

Some 22,000 polling stations have been set up at schools, places of worship, hospitals, and dozens of vehicles serving as mobile voting centers will operate in remote areas to allow rural dwellers to cast their vote.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) is tipped to win the polls. The party is led by incumbent President, Jacob Zuma.

But political analysts say the party is likely to lose ground over high unemployment and a number of corruption scandals that have been leveled against President Jacob Zuma.

The main oppositions are the Democratic Alliance, led by Helen Zille and the Economic Freedom Fighters also led by former ANC youth leader Julius Malema. The full result of the elections is expected on Friday.

Security officials say nearly 2,000 military personnel have been dispatched to assist police in ensuring security during the election process.

The elections will be observed by the various international organizations and analysts say preparation has been smooth so far.

Racial segregation in South Africa known as apartheid was enforced through legislation by the National Party (NP) governments, the ruling party from 1948 to 1994 until the system collapsed which shot Nelson Mandela into power as the first black President of South Africa.

Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Africa News

Writer’s Email Address: Adamsisska@googlemail.com

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