In pictures: South Africa votes

Braving wintry weather, millions of South Africans voted to elect a national parliament and provincial legislatures. Some turned up before it got light.

Many spent hours waiting in long queues, in what is seen as one of South Africa's most competitive elections in recent years.

Voting took place in Pretoria's Maximum Security prison, CMAX. Prisoners have been allowed to vote in South Africa since 1999. Photo: Jason Boswell

At stake is the ruling ANC's two-thirds majority, amid growing disillusion among some of its supporters.

Cope (Congress of the People) is hoping to capitalise on that disillusion. Its presidential candidate, Mvume Dandala, described the party, formed only a few months ago, as a "baby with teeth".

If Cope did grab the second spot, it would displace the Democratic Alliance - seen as mainly a party of the white and coloured (mixed-race) minorities.

The election may also be affected by the tough economic conditions as South Africa - seen as the continent's economic powerhouse - heads for its first recession in 17 years.

For many black South Africans, almost two decades after apartheid, voting remains a privilege of great symbolism.

And among those voting was Nelson Mandela, key to apartheid's downfall.

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