Three ballot papers explained

When voters go to the polling stations on 29 May, it could take a bit longer to make your voice heard, as everyone will receive three ballot papers - a National Compensatory Ballot, a National Regional Ballot and a Provincial Legislature Ballot.

South Africans will vote for a government of their choice for the next five years. Hlomani Baloyi, a spokesperson for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), says voters must draw an X on the party or independent candidate of their choice on each of the three ballots.

National Compensatory Ballot

This ballot is the same across the entire country. It features political parties only, contesting for seats in the Nation Assembly.

Each party will have its political party name, face of party leader, abbreviation of the party, the party logo and the box where the voter can mark a X.

This ballot will be a double or single column depending on how many political parties are contesting

National Regional Ballot

This ballot is specific to a voter region and includes candidates running for the National Assembly who represent the area.

The voter will find both parties and independent candidates listed here.

Each party will have its political party name, face of party leader, abbreviation of the party and the party logo. As for the independent candidate, his or her name will be followed by the face of the independent, then the word "independent" and then the box where supporters can mark an X.

Provincial Legislature Ballot

This ballot is unique to a voter's province and includes parties and independent candidates competing for seats in the specific provincial legislature.

For political parties: Political party name, face of the party leader, abbreviation of the party, the party logo and the box where the voter can add an X.

For independent candidates: name of the independent, face of the independent and the word 'independent' and the box with space for an X.