Travellers should avoid large gatherings and areas around polling stations

South Africa will hold its fourth national election since the end of apartheid on 22 April 2009. The country's Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) expects voter turnout to be higher than in the recent past due to a high number of youngsters voting for the first time. Despite some reports of violence and voter intimidation, the IEC has stated that it is taking the necessary steps to ensure a free and peaceful election. Additional police and security officers will be deployed at election hotspots where violence has occurred during the campaign period; security will also be increased around polling stations. In KwaZulu-Natal province, where several recent clashes have taken place between members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the opposition Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), approximately 2,000 observers from 37 accredited international organizations will also be deployed.