The Common Sense has received reports of long lines at voting stations across middle-class suburban neighbourhoods as South Africans vote in today’s local government elections.

The lines suggest opposition voters, especially in Gauteng, may be putting in a strong showing as voting proceeds across South Africa.

Turnout is set to be one of the defining features of this election, with opposition voters in major cities appearing to turn out in higher proportions than ANC voters.

In a statement on Monday, DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said: “This election will be a turnout election. We cannot assume that others will cast enough votes to bring the change we want, or advance the progress we value. Elections are won by those who show up, so DA voters must show up in record numbers.”

The Electoral Commission (IEC) said 29.2 million voters are registered “across 23 696 voting stations nationwide”, and that 1 425 942 people had voted during special voting on Monday.

Voting stations opened at 07:00 and close at 21:00, and voters within the boundaries of voting stations “will be assisted beyond the closing time”, the IEC said.