South Africans vote in closest election in 30years | BBC News

South Africans are voting in the most pivotal electionsince the racist system of apartheid ended in 1994.

More than 27 million people are registered to cast theirballots in a poll that highlights growing politicalfragmentation after 30 years of democracy.

A record 70 parties and 11 independents arecontesting an election that will see South Africansvote for a new parliament, and nine provincial legislatures.

The African National Congress, the party of the lateNelson Mandela, faces its biggest challenge in 30years as millions go to the polls.