Security has been beefed up in all the polling stations and the voters as well as local and international observers expect a smooth exercise.

ANC leader Jacob Zuma cast his ballot at exactly 11am in his home town Province of Kwa Zulu Natal. Opinion polls have already pitted him as the next President of South Africa.

Zuma, whose corruption charges against him were dropped two weeks ago, is optimistic of victory. Analysts say that his tainted past has done little to dent the popularity of the ANC, still revered by many for its fight against apartheid.

The chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Dr Brigalia Bam has termed the elections as historic.

“These elections are very different from the rest. This time round, we have a huge voter turn out among the youth,” she said adding that the elections have been characterised by enthusiasm and interest not only by South Africans but also by international observers and visitors.

Analysts believe that this is an election expected to preserve the dominance of the African National Congress despite the strongest opposition challenge since apartheid ended 15 years ago. The ANC, whose anti-apartheid credentials make it the choice for millions of black voters, is expected to win between 60 and 66 percent of the vote.

President Kgalema Motlanthe has termed the elections as ‘simple and straightforward.’"I think it's important for all registered voters to cast their vote, because at the end that is going to matter, everyone who participates in this election strengthens our democracy."

Congress of the People Party leader Mosiua Lekota cast his ballot in Bloemfontein Province and assured voters of his victory. The first credible black opposition to the ANC, COPE appears to have some support among South Africa's growing black middle class.

The Democratic Alliance, another political nemesis of the ANC hopes to take home at least 10%. Its leader Hellen Zile said after casting her vote that she was hopeful of a good result.

"I think South African voters know what we need to do to save democracy. I know that they know what to do to prevent a criminal state, and they'll go out today and do it," she said at a polling station in Cape Town.

The Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC) results centre opened its doors early today at the Tshwane Events Centre.

The Results Operation Centre will serve as the central management point for operational and electoral issues and a focal point for political parties, government, business leaders and the media to gather during the voting, counting and results phases of the elections.

Polls close at 9 p.m. and first results are expected to start trickling in later tonight.