South Africa Consul General Ebrahim Edries said on Monday that South African expat community can register for elections at the consulate and embassy in Jeddah and Riyadh until Feb. 7.

The envoy said all South Africans living abroad are eligible to vote in line with the country’s electoral act.

Edries said 2014 will be an important year for South Africa, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary of democracy.

The country is also getting ready for its 5th general elections, which are expected in late April or early May.

He said, “Despite this being a landmark year for our country, the recent loss of its founding father Nelson Mandela demands a critical analysis be undertaken to bring about his vision of a united and prosperous South Africa, continent and world to fruition.”

The envoy highlighted major achievements of the South African government.

“The country’s GDP almost tripled from $163 billion in 1994 to $385 billion. Inflation fell from a 1980-1994 average of 14% to an average of 6% from 1994-2012. Income tax receipts of R114 billion from 1.7 million people rose to R814 billion from 13.7 billion,” he said.

“Our plan for the next 20 years will starts with the general elections where South Africans over the age of 18 will be able to cast their vote for the political party of their choice,” he said.

In 2013 alone, 19 new political parties registered to contest the elections. The largest political parties remain the African National Congress with about 62% support, the Democratic Alliance Party with 12%, and a sprinkling of other smaller parties represented in the Parliament.

“Yet many challenges still remain, especially in job creation where the uncertain global economic outlook in the last few years has prevented the South African economy from growing at the desired rate to create the necessary jobs,” he said.

Edries said South African nationals living in Saudi Arabia who have already registered in South Africa will not need to re-register. However they must complete an online form available at Elections.org.za;VEC10, 15 days after the election date has been announced in order to register to vote abroad.

South Africans over the age of 18 in possession of a bar code ID card should register in order to be eligible for the forthcoming polls. The logistical arrangements for voters to register at the consulate have been made.

A separate venue on the premises of the South African Consulate has been designated for the casting of votes.

The consulate will provide further information on the arrangements for the election day following the announcement of the date.