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Millions of South Africans stood in long queues to cast their votes on Wednesday during the country's fifth national election, without obstructions.
The Independent Electoral Commission, the body mandated to run election in South Africa, reported that 95 percent of the voting stations managed to open in time and there were no major glitches.
"The most pressing challenge we are facing is the extreme high turnout in urban areas. It should be remembered that we have the highest number of voters registered in South Africa's history," Independent Electoral Commission chairwoman Pansy Tlakula said in Pretoria.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC) is expected to win the elections but two opposition parties, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are also vowing to win.
At a polling station at Hitekani Primary School in Soweto, southwest of Johannesburg, voters were waiting patiently to cast their votes in the chilly morning wind.
Many voters were in a jovial mood and did not hide who they are voting for.
Mampi Maluleke, 60, was the first to arrive. Like all others who came earlier, she sat quietly clutching to her big jacket to keep warm while waiting for the polling station to open.
"I feel I could fly and I am so excited that I lived till this day when I have voted. I and my children we are excited because I have told them to vote for the ANC since I know it will help us one day," Maluleke said after casting her vote.
Phumelani Khoza, 23, who works as a supervisor at a local grocery shop, said he was excited that the election gave him a chance to decide his future by voting for a party that he has no doubt has the solutions to the country?s economic problems.
"The ANC has failed because the land issue was not addressed properly," Khoza said. "They promised to give back 30 percent of the land in 20 years and now it has been 20 years but only seven percent has been given back to the rightful owners."
Cheryl Mageza, a 29 year old who was voting for the second time since apartheid was ended in 1994, said she voted in order to change the current government which she said has failed her.
"I voted for DA because I want change. I want crime to be reduced, jobs to be created and the quality of education to be improved. It is not good that you have a lot of young people who have graduated but are sitting at home because there are no jobs," she said.
However, Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC Deputy President who is likely to take over President Jacob Zuma after he finishes his term, said there is no way his party can lose this election.
"I am not nervous because I have deep confidence in our people. Our people know who they want to run this country going forward. I can smell victory. Victory is at hand and victory is certain," Ramaphosa said.
Tension was high in Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg after two IEC tents were burnt down on Tuesday night. Voters in the township refused to vote until the government intervened. However, calm returned on Wednesday and residents were able to vote.
Over 25 million voters were registered to vote in South Africa. The Preliminary results of the elections are expected on Saturday.
