Votes are being counted in what is regarded as South Africa’s most closely fought elections since the African National Congress (ANC) came to power 30 years ago.
The first results have been announced from around 19% voting districts counted so far, the ANC is leading with 43%, followed by the DA with 25%.
The radical EFF has about 9%, while the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party) of former President Jacob Zuma is at around 8%
Long lines snaked outside polling stations across the country reminiscent of the historic 1994 election,
Voters were still waiting to cast the ballot when polls officially closed at 9pm last evening but the electoral commission said they would all be allowed to cast their ballots.
The first results will start to trickle in this morning and final results are expected over the weekend.
A record 70 parties and 11 independents were running, with South Africans voting for a new parliament and nine provincial legislatures.