Ahead of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-lok-sabha-phase-6-elections-voting-begins-for-59-constituencies-across-seven-states-217872"> sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to youngsters to go out and vote in record numbers.

"Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today`s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers," Prime Minister tweeted before voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began.

"After all, their participation makes the polls even more special," he added.

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Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! 
 
Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today’s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers. After all, their participation makes the polls even more special.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1127382183293833216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began on Sunday morning.

A total of 59 seats from six states and Union Territory of Delhi are going to polls in the sixth phase.

The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Ahead of the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to youngsters to go out and vote in record numbers. "Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here!

Ahead of the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to youngsters to go out and vote in record numbers. "Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today`s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers," Prime Minister tweeted before voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began. "After all, their participation makes the polls even more special," he added. Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today’s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers. After all, their participation makes the polls even more special. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 12, 2019 × Voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began on Sunday morning. A total of 59 seats from six states and Union Territory of Delhi are going to polls in the sixth phase. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi urges youngsters to vote in record numbers

Voters queued up outside polling booths on Sunday morning in all seven Lok Sabha constituencies of the national capital where former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan and cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir are among those in the fray.

Voting began at 7 am and among the early voters were Dikshit, party's New Delhi candidate Ajay Maken, Union minister Vardhan, BJP's East Delhi candidate Gambhir, and BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) Ram Lal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-lok-sabha-phase-6-elections-voting-begins-for-59-constituencies-across-seven-states-217872">Live Lok Sabha phase 6 elections: President Kovind, Rahul Gandhi, Sheila Dikshit and Kohli cast votes</a>

Mudit Agarwal, son of Congress' Chandni Chowk candidate JP Agarwal alleged malfunctioning of EVMs at a few booths in Matiamahal and Ballimaran Assembly segments. 
Tilak Nagar AAP MLA Jarnail Singh also alleged in a tweet that there was malfunctioning of EVMs at a booth.

"Dear @ECISVEEP Evm of polling booth no 27 AC 29 Delhi west is not working since morning, Do the needful asap," he wrote on the micro-blogging site.

Over 1.43 crore people in Delhi are eligible to vote in this election which will decide the fate of 164 candidates, of which 18 are women. There are 43 independent candidates.&nbsp;

While 2,54,723 voters are in the age group of 18 and 19, there are 40,532 electorate with disability who would be provided pick up and drop facility.

"India's prestige in the world, in whose hands is the country safe and who can bring rapid development -- these are issues weighing on voters minds. And, they will vote on these issues only," Ram Lal claimed.

Interacting with reporter after casting his vote, he said, a "strong and stable government is needed, people also feel".

Asked if the BJP will be back with a full majority, he said, "BJP (organisation) is based on team.. It will be a strong situation."

In 2014, the voter turnout in Delhi was 65.07 per cent -- 66 per cent for male and 63.93 per cent for female voters.

A total of 13,819 polling stations have been set up at 2,700 locations in Delhi, with one model polling station in each of the 70 assembly segments.

As many as 523 polling locations have been identified as critical and 60,000 personnel, including those of the Delhi Police, Home Guards and paramilitary, will be on their toes to ensure there is no untoward incident.&nbsp;

Voters queued up outside polling booths on Sunday morning in all seven Lok Sabha constituencies of the national capital where former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan and cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir are among those in the fray.

Voters queued up outside polling booths on Sunday morning in all seven Lok Sabha constituencies of the national capital where former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan and cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir are among those in the fray. Voting began at 7 am and among the early voters were Dikshit, party's New Delhi candidate Ajay Maken, Union minister Vardhan, BJP's East Delhi candidate Gambhir, and BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) Ram Lal. Live Lok Sabha phase 6 elections: President Kovind, Rahul Gandhi, Sheila Dikshit and Kohli cast votes Mudit Agarwal, son of Congress' Chandni Chowk candidate JP Agarwal alleged malfunctioning of EVMs at a few booths in Matiamahal and Ballimaran Assembly segments. Tilak Nagar AAP MLA Jarnail Singh also alleged in a tweet that there was malfunctioning of EVMs at a booth. "Dear @ECISVEEP Evm of polling booth no 27 AC 29 Delhi west is not working since morning, Do the needful asap," he wrote on the micro-blogging site. Over 1.43 crore people in Delhi are eligible to vote in this election which will decide the fate of 164 candidates, of which 18 are women. There are 43 independent candidates. While 2,54,723 voters are in the age group of 18 and 19, there are 40,532 electorate with disability who would be provided pick up and drop facility. "India's prestige in the world, in whose hands is the country safe and who can bring rapid development -- these are issues weighing on voters minds. And, they will vote on these issues only," Ram Lal claimed. Interacting with reporter after casting his vote, he said, a "strong and stable government is needed, people also feel". Asked if the BJP will be back with a full majority, he said, "BJP (organisation) is based on team.. It will be a strong situation." In 2014, the voter turnout in Delhi was 65.07 per cent -- 66 per cent for male and 63.93 per cent for female voters. A total of 13,819 polling stations have been set up at 2,700 locations in Delhi, with one model polling station in each of the 70 assembly segments. As many as 523 polling locations have been identified as critical and 60,000 personnel, including those of the Delhi Police, Home Guards and paramilitary, will be on their toes to ensure there is no untoward incident.

Polling underway in Delhi; Dikshit, Gambhir, Vardhan among early voters

Watch this segment to know Lok Sabha elections related latest news.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Watch latest election news

Watch this segment to know latest updates of Lok Sabha elections 2019.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Congress North East Delhi candidate Sheila Dikshit holded a roadshow in Delhi on Wednesday. Watch this video to know more.

Priyanka Gandhi & PM Modi's war of words

Supreme Court of India dismisses second plea against Rahul Gandhi, Petition sought to debar Congress President from contesting elections. Watch this video to know more.

SC dismisses second plea against Rahul Gandhi

South Africa <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africans-head-to-polls-tipped-to-be-won-by-anc-216888">goes to the polls </a>Wednesday with the leaders of the three main parties vying for votes in a race that could test the ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-struggling-25-years-after-apartheid-216887">ANC's long-held dominance</a>.

Here is a look at the three:

- The shrewd president -

Cyril Ramaphosa, the leader of the ruling ANC party, took the country's reins last year after a dramatic and varied career intertwined with the birth of modern South Africa.

He was a pioneering young trade union leader, an anti-apartheid activist, and a Nelson Mandela protege who led talks to end white-minority rule and helped write the new constitution.

When Mandela walked out of jail in 1990, Ramaphosa was standing beside him.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-election-facts-and-voting-procedures-216479">South Africa election facts and voting procedures</a>

But after missing out on becoming Mandela's successor as president, Ramaphosa instead became a hugely wealthy businessman through stakes in McDonalds, Coca-Cola, mining and telecommunications, and developing a taste for breeding rare cattle.

In 2012, his image was badly tarnished when police killed 34 striking workers at the Marikana platinum mine, operated by London-listed Lonmin, where he was then a non-executive director.

Ramaphosa had called for a crackdown on the strikers, whom he accused of "dastardly criminal" behaviour.

He returned to politics to become Jacob Zuma's vice president in 2014, often drawing criticism for failing to speak out against corruption and government mismanagement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/25-years-after-apartheid-south-africans-still-not-free-president-213961">25 years after apartheid, South Africans still not free: President</a>

Renowned for his patience and strategic thinking, Ramaphosa narrowly beat off pro-Zuma rivals to take over the leadership of the ANC in 2017 and then claim the presidency when Zuma was forced out last year.

Ramaphosa's support base crosses South Africa's racial and class divides, but he still faces strong opposition from factions within the ANC.

"This is a decisive moment in our country, in the history of South Africa, this is a moment when... we choose hope over despair," he told supporters at the ANC's final campaign rally.

Born in Johannesburg's Soweto township, Ramaphosa took up activism while studying law in the 1970s, and spent 11 months in solitary confinement in 1974.

The young opposition leader&nbsp;

Mmusi Maimane, 38, is the first black leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa's main opposition party.

Raised in Soweto -- the heartland of the anti-apartheid struggle -- Maimane only joined the DA in 2009 and was fast-tracked through its ranks to take control in 2015.

His rapid promotion led to accusations that he was being used by the party's senior white activists to cover up a lack of reform within the party.

A gifted orator and smooth campaigner, he has kept the DA in the spotlight, broadened its appeal and held together its warring factions.

But he has struggled to land punches on Ramaphosa or to convince many black middle-class voters that the DA is not still a "white" party.

A devout Christian, he has a masters degree in Theology and regularly preaches at church, where he met his white wife Natalie.

Before getting into politics, Maimane ran his own management consultancy and lectured at a business school in Johannesburg.

His reserved leadership style could come under question if the DA fails to make significant gains on the 22 percent of the vote it got in the 2014 election.

The radical firebrand

Julius Malema, 38, is a former ANC youth leader who launched the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party in 2013 and, against all the odds, has turned it into a political force.

He was kicked out of the ruling party after coming into conflict with the leadership but has thrived as a rebel, delivering fiery speeches spiced with jokes and digs at Ramaphosa, the ANC and South Africa's white minority.

Presenting himself as the voice of the young and unemployed, he demands the seizure of land from whites without compensation, and the nationalisation of mines and banks.

His threat to the ANC was underlined last year when Ramaphosa adopted a tougher stance on land reform to appease a section of the electorate, spooking foreign investors.

Wearing a red beret and styling himself as "commander in chief", Malema hopes to ride a growing wave of discontent among the poorest of South Africans 25 years after the end of apartheid.

During Jacob Zuma's reign as president, he led his lawmakers in a campaign to disrupt parliament by chanting and heckling, before being thrown out by security officers.

His party holds 25 seats in the 400-member parliament.

South Africa goes to the polls Wednesday with the leaders of the three main parties vying for votes in a race that could test the ruling ANC's long-held dominance.

South Africa goes to the polls Wednesday with the leaders of the three main parties vying for votes in a race that could test the ruling ANC's long-held dominance. Here is a look at the three: - The shrewd president - Cyril Ramaphosa, the leader of the ruling ANC party, took the country's reins last year after a dramatic and varied career intertwined with the birth of modern South Africa. He was a pioneering young trade union leader, an anti-apartheid activist, and a Nelson Mandela protege who led talks to end white-minority rule and helped write the new constitution. When Mandela walked out of jail in 1990, Ramaphosa was standing beside him. Also read: South Africa election facts and voting procedures But after missing out on becoming Mandela's successor as president, Ramaphosa instead became a hugely wealthy businessman through stakes in McDonalds, Coca-Cola, mining and telecommunications, and developing a taste for breeding rare cattle. In 2012, his image was badly tarnished when police killed 34 striking workers at the Marikana platinum mine, operated by London-listed Lonmin, where he was then a non-executive director. Ramaphosa had called for a crackdown on the strikers, whom he accused of "dastardly criminal" behaviour. He returned to politics to become Jacob Zuma's vice president in 2014, often drawing criticism for failing to speak out against corruption and government mismanagement. Also read: 25 years after apartheid, South Africans still not free: President Renowned for his patience and strategic thinking, Ramaphosa narrowly beat off pro-Zuma rivals to take over the leadership of the ANC in 2017 and then claim the presidency when Zuma was forced out last year. Ramaphosa's support base crosses South Africa's racial and class divides, but he still faces strong opposition from factions within the ANC. "This is a decisive moment in our country, in the history of South Africa, this is a moment when... we choose hope over despair," he told supporters at the ANC's final campaign rally. Born in Johannesburg's Soweto township, Ramaphosa took up activism while studying law in the 1970s, and spent 11 months in solitary confinement in 1974. The young opposition leader Mmusi Maimane, 38, is the first black leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa's main opposition party. Raised in Soweto -- the heartland of the anti-apartheid struggle -- Maimane only joined the DA in 2009 and was fast-tracked through its ranks to take control in 2015. His rapid promotion led to accusations that he was being used by the party's senior white activists to cover up a lack of reform within the party. A gifted orator and smooth campaigner, he has kept the DA in the spotlight, broadened its appeal and held together its warring factions. But he has struggled to land punches on Ramaphosa or to convince many black middle-class voters that the DA is not still a "white" party. A devout Christian, he has a masters degree in Theology and regularly preaches at church, where he met his white wife Natalie. Before getting into politics, Maimane ran his own management consultancy and lectured at a business school in Johannesburg. His reserved leadership style could come under question if the DA fails to make significant gains on the 22 percent of the vote it got in the 2014 election. The radical firebrand Julius Malema, 38, is a former ANC youth leader who launched the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party in 2013 and, against all the odds, has turned it into a political force. He was kicked out of the ruling party after coming into conflict with the leadership but has thrived as a rebel, delivering fiery speeches spiced with jokes and digs at Ramaphosa, the ANC and South Africa's white minority. Presenting himself as the voice of the young and unemployed, he demands the seizure of land from whites without compensation, and the nationalisation of mines and banks. His threat to the ANC was underlined last year when Ramaphosa adopted a tougher stance on land reform to appease a section of the electorate, spooking foreign investors. Wearing a red beret and styling himself as "commander in chief", Malema hopes to ride a growing wave of discontent among the poorest of South Africans 25 years after the end of apartheid. During Jacob Zuma's reign as president, he led his lawmakers in a campaign to disrupt parliament by chanting and heckling, before being thrown out by security officers. His party holds 25 seats in the 400-member parliament.

Three party leaders battle it out in South Africa election

South Africans go to the polls on Wednesday in national elections which the ruling ANC party, in power since 1994, is the favourite to win despite corruption scandals and sluggish economic growth and record unemployment.

The ANC has won all the past five elections, but Wednesday's vote is set to be an electoral test on whether the party has staunched a decline in popularity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-election-facts-and-voting-procedures-216479">South Africa election facts and voting procedures</a>

The party is tipped to win the vote, but with a reduced majority and the result will reveal whether its new leader, President Cyril Ramaphosa, can reverse growing resentment among South African voters.

Ramaphosa took over from scandal-tainted Jacob Zuma, under whose leadership the ANC saw the most significant drop in support since 1994.

He acknowledged on the eve of the election that "we are humble enough to admit our mistakes. We have taken decisive steps to fight corruption."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/25-years-after-apartheid-south-africans-still-not-free-president-213961">25 years after apartheid, South Africans still not free: President</a>

The election comes 25 years since Mandela led the African National Congress (ANC) to power in the country's first multi-racial ballot, which marked the globally-celebrated end of apartheid rule.

Support for the ANC has fallen in every election since 2004 with the party winning just 54 per cent in 2016 local elections, compared with 62 per cent in the last national vote in 2014.

Ramaphosa, 66, took office last year when Zuma was forced to resign as president by the ANC after a nine-year reign dominated by corruption allegations and economic woes.

Most opinion surveys suggest the ANC will secure nearly 60 per cent of the vote on Wednesday, thanks to the Ramaphosa effect and a weak and fragmented opposition.

"The ANC will pull another majority. It might be a reduced majority," said political scientist Collette Schulz-Herzenberg from Stellenbosch University.

"It reflects the weakness of the opposition, more than it does reflect the achievements of the ANC," she added.&nbsp;

Weak opposition

The pro-business moderate Ramaphosa is a former anti-apartheid activist and trade union leader who was Mandela's apparent favourite to succeed him as president.

After being outmanoeuvred in that race, Ramaphosa instead became a wealthy entrepreneur before serving as Zuma's vice president.

The ANC has been confronted by deepening public anger over its failure to tackle poverty and inequality in post-apartheid South Africa.

The economy grew just 0.8 per cent in 2018 and unemployment hovers at a high of nearly 27 per cent, rising over 50 per cent among young people.

Corruption, especially in state owned companies became almost endemic under Zuma.

"In a normal country the ANC should be losing the election on the 8th (of May)," said University of Witwatersrand senior lecturer Lumkile Mondi.

Of the 47 opposition parties in the race, only the main opposition centrist Democratic Alliance (DA) and the radical-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are major players.

The DA which hopes to shed its image as a white, middle-class party as its first black leader, Mmusi Maimane, fights in his first general election since he took the helm in 2015, is expected to make marginal gains from the 22 per cent it won 2014.

But the radical leftist EFF, founded just six years ago by a former ANC youth leader Julius Malema, is predicted to make major inroads, growing from 6.3 per cent to a forecast 11 per cent.

The party, which appeals mainly to young voters and the poor, has centred its election campaign on its policy of seizing land from largely white owners to give to poor blacks.

Enforced land redistribution has also been adopted as a policy by Ramaphosa's government -- alarming some investors.

Wednesday's provincial elections will also measure ANC fortunes, with the party in a close fight with the DA for control of Gauteng, which includes the capital Pretoria and the economic hub Johannesburg.

Some 26.8 million voters are registered to cast ballots at 22,925 polling stations.

Polls open at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and close 14 hours later.

Early results will emerge on Thursday with an official winner declared on Saturday.&nbsp;

The party that wins most seats in parliament selects the president, who will be sworn in on May 25.

South Africans go to the polls on Wednesday in national elections which the ruling ANC party, in power since 1994, is the favourite to win despite corruption scandals and sluggish economic growth and record unemployment.

South Africans go to the polls on Wednesday in national elections which the ruling ANC party, in power since 1994, is the favourite to win despite corruption scandals and sluggish economic growth and record unemployment. The ANC has won all the past five elections, but Wednesday's vote is set to be an electoral test on whether the party has staunched a decline in popularity. Also read: South Africa election facts and voting procedures The party is tipped to win the vote, but with a reduced majority and the result will reveal whether its new leader, President Cyril Ramaphosa, can reverse growing resentment among South African voters. Ramaphosa took over from scandal-tainted Jacob Zuma, under whose leadership the ANC saw the most significant drop in support since 1994. He acknowledged on the eve of the election that "we are humble enough to admit our mistakes. We have taken decisive steps to fight corruption." Also read: 25 years after apartheid, South Africans still not free: President The election comes 25 years since Mandela led the African National Congress (ANC) to power in the country's first multi-racial ballot, which marked the globally-celebrated end of apartheid rule. Support for the ANC has fallen in every election since 2004 with the party winning just 54 per cent in 2016 local elections, compared with 62 per cent in the last national vote in 2014. Ramaphosa, 66, took office last year when Zuma was forced to resign as president by the ANC after a nine-year reign dominated by corruption allegations and economic woes. Most opinion surveys suggest the ANC will secure nearly 60 per cent of the vote on Wednesday, thanks to the Ramaphosa effect and a weak and fragmented opposition. "The ANC will pull another majority. It might be a reduced majority," said political scientist Collette Schulz-Herzenberg from Stellenbosch University. "It reflects the weakness of the opposition, more than it does reflect the achievements of the ANC," she added. Weak opposition The pro-business moderate Ramaphosa is a former anti-apartheid activist and trade union leader who was Mandela's apparent favourite to succeed him as president. After being outmanoeuvred in that race, Ramaphosa instead became a wealthy entrepreneur before serving as Zuma's vice president. The ANC has been confronted by deepening public anger over its failure to tackle poverty and inequality in post-apartheid South Africa. The economy grew just 0.8 per cent in 2018 and unemployment hovers at a high of nearly 27 per cent, rising over 50 per cent among young people. Corruption, especially in state owned companies became almost endemic under Zuma. "In a normal country the ANC should be losing the election on the 8th (of May)," said University of Witwatersrand senior lecturer Lumkile Mondi. Of the 47 opposition parties in the race, only the main opposition centrist Democratic Alliance (DA) and the radical-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are major players. The DA which hopes to shed its image as a white, middle-class party as its first black leader, Mmusi Maimane, fights in his first general election since he took the helm in 2015, is expected to make marginal gains from the 22 per cent it won 2014. But the radical leftist EFF, founded just six years ago by a former ANC youth leader Julius Malema, is predicted to make major inroads, growing from 6.3 per cent to a forecast 11 per cent. The party, which appeals mainly to young voters and the poor, has centred its election campaign on its policy of seizing land from largely white owners to give to poor blacks. Enforced land redistribution has also been adopted as a policy by Ramaphosa's government -- alarming some investors. Wednesday's provincial elections will also measure ANC fortunes, with the party in a close fight with the DA for control of Gauteng, which includes the capital Pretoria and the economic hub Johannesburg. Some 26.8 million voters are registered to cast ballots at 22,925 polling stations. Polls open at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and close 14 hours later. Early results will emerge on Thursday with an official winner declared on Saturday. The party that wins most seats in parliament selects the president, who will be sworn in on May 25.

South Africans head to polls tipped to be won by ANC

Twenty-five years after the end of white-minority rule, South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world and is held back by corruption and crime.

As the country <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/campaigning-in-south-africa-wraps-up-ahead-of-election-216508">holds elections </a>Wednesday in which the African National Congress (ANC) is all but certain to retain power, here is some background:

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-election-facts-and-voting-procedures-216479">South Africa election facts and voting procedures</a>

Decades of apartheid

The radical race-based system of apartheid that favoured the white minority over the black majority became official government policy in 1948.

It governed all aspects of life, restricting non-whites to unskilled jobs and inferior education, services and living conditions.

Whites controlled politics, the economy and the land.

The system was dismantled nearly five decades later, after a long and bitter struggle, its demise sealed by the April 1994 elections in which blacks were able to vote for the first time.

Mandela

Then <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-elections-corruption-jobs-top-issues-as-cyril-ramaphosas-anc-faces-tough-battle-216078">ANC</a> leader Nelson Mandela, who was jailed for 27 years for his efforts to overthrow apartheid, became South Africa's first black president in 1994.&nbsp;

His release in 1990 heralded the transition to democracy for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize with the last white president, F.W. de Klerk.

Mandela committed to only one term, stepping down in 1999. Internationally respected as an icon of reconciliation, his death in 2013 was met with an outpouring of emotion worldwide.

Later, in-fighting and graft scandals within the ANC peaked in 2018 when Jacob Zuma was forced to step down as president.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/25-years-after-apartheid-south-africans-still-not-free-president-213961">25 years after apartheid, South Africans still not free: President</a>

'Rainbow Nation' tarnished

The optimism of the post-apartheid "Rainbow Nation" has waned amid widespread complaints of weak governance, poor delivery of public services, corruption and crime.&nbsp;

The number of regular houses, as opposed to makeshift shacks, increased by a quarter since 1996, as did access to electricity (61 per cent), according to a Centre for Risk Analysis survey in 2019.

But some 20 per cent of black households are classed as living in extreme poverty compared to 2.9 per cent of white households, the Institute of Race Relations says.

With a population of 56.7 million (2017), the country still has "one of the highest inequality rates in the world," the World Bank says.

Most of South Africa's arable land, meanwhile, remains in the hands of white farmers.

Economic woes

The second-strongest economy in Africa behind Nigeria, South Africa is the world's top producer of platinum and a leading supplier of gold, diamonds and other minerals.&nbsp;

However, mining has shed about 300,000 jobs, now only making up about seven per cent of gross domestic product from a peak of about 20 per cent in the 1980s.

Having seen sharp gains from 1994 to 2006 with annual growth above five per cent, the economy crashed in 2008 at the height of the global financial crisis.&nbsp;

Growth was just 0.8 per cent in 2018 and is projected to be 1.3 per cent for 2019, the World Bank says.

Official unemployment is at 27.1 per cent, reaching 53 per cent for people aged under 35 -- among the highest in the world.

Sunny SA

With unspoiled beaches, vineyards and animal reserves, the country was the continent's leading tourist destination behind Morocco in 2017, according to the UN's tourism authority.

There were more than 10 million visitors in 2017, and the sector contributed 10 per cent to the economy.

The country hosted Africa's first World Cup in 2006 and is also the sole nation on the continent to allow gay marriage.

But crime remains persistently high, the murder rate rising in 2017 to about 57 a day.&nbsp;

South Africa also has the biggest HIV/AIDS epidemic in the world, with 7.1 million people living with HIV, the UN says.

Twenty-five years after the end of white-minority rule, South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world and is held back by corruption and crime.

Twenty-five years after the end of white-minority rule, South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world and is held back by corruption and crime. As the country holds elections Wednesday in which the African National Congress (ANC) is all but certain to retain power, here is some background: Also read: South Africa election facts and voting procedures Decades of apartheid The radical race-based system of apartheid that favoured the white minority over the black majority became official government policy in 1948. It governed all aspects of life, restricting non-whites to unskilled jobs and inferior education, services and living conditions. Whites controlled politics, the economy and the land. The system was dismantled nearly five decades later, after a long and bitter struggle, its demise sealed by the April 1994 elections in which blacks were able to vote for the first time. Mandela Then ANC leader Nelson Mandela, who was jailed for 27 years for his efforts to overthrow apartheid, became South Africa's first black president in 1994. His release in 1990 heralded the transition to democracy for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize with the last white president, F.W. de Klerk. Mandela committed to only one term, stepping down in 1999. Internationally respected as an icon of reconciliation, his death in 2013 was met with an outpouring of emotion worldwide. Later, in-fighting and graft scandals within the ANC peaked in 2018 when Jacob Zuma was forced to step down as president. Also read: 25 years after apartheid, South Africans still not free: President 'Rainbow Nation' tarnished The optimism of the post-apartheid "Rainbow Nation" has waned amid widespread complaints of weak governance, poor delivery of public services, corruption and crime. The number of regular houses, as opposed to makeshift shacks, increased by a quarter since 1996, as did access to electricity (61 per cent), according to a Centre for Risk Analysis survey in 2019. But some 20 per cent of black households are classed as living in extreme poverty compared to 2.9 per cent of white households, the Institute of Race Relations says. With a population of 56.7 million (2017), the country still has "one of the highest inequality rates in the world," the World Bank says. Most of South Africa's arable land, meanwhile, remains in the hands of white farmers. Economic woes The second-strongest economy in Africa behind Nigeria, South Africa is the world's top producer of platinum and a leading supplier of gold, diamonds and other minerals. However, mining has shed about 300,000 jobs, now only making up about seven per cent of gross domestic product from a peak of about 20 per cent in the 1980s. Having seen sharp gains from 1994 to 2006 with annual growth above five per cent, the economy crashed in 2008 at the height of the global financial crisis. Growth was just 0.8 per cent in 2018 and is projected to be 1.3 per cent for 2019, the World Bank says. Official unemployment is at 27.1 per cent, reaching 53 per cent for people aged under 35 -- among the highest in the world. Sunny SA With unspoiled beaches, vineyards and animal reserves, the country was the continent's leading tourist destination behind Morocco in 2017, according to the UN's tourism authority. There were more than 10 million visitors in 2017, and the sector contributed 10 per cent to the economy. The country hosted Africa's first World Cup in 2006 and is also the sole nation on the continent to allow gay marriage. But crime remains persistently high, the murder rate rising in 2017 to about 57 a day. South Africa also has the biggest HIV/AIDS epidemic in the world, with 7.1 million people living with HIV, the UN says.

South Africa: Struggling 25 years after apartheid

Watch this segment of India Election Watch, Will BJP retain in Haryana in 2019?

India Election Watch: Will BJP retain in Haryana in 2019?

Politics over Cyclone Fani is getting intensifies day by day. Mamata Banerjee refused to meet PM Modi. PM Modi calls her arrogant.

India Election Watch: Politics over Cyclone Fani, Mamata refuses to meet PM

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know the significance of Phase 6 of Lok Sabha Polls 2019.

India Election Watch: Know the significance of Phase 6 of Lok Sabha Polls 2019

Politics over Cyclone Fani is getting intensifies day by day. PM Modi calls Mamata Banerjee arrogant. PM Modi also praises Naveen Patnaik for coordinating relief work.

India Election Watch: Cyclone Politics grips India

EC has been accused of being biased by opposition and SC has been repeatedly asked to intervene in between. Is Election Commission fighting a perception table?

India Election Watch: Is Election Commission fighting a perception table?

During addressing a election rally in Chattisgarh, Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of collusion with Big Corporates & Big Firms.

India Election Watch: Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of collusion with Big Corporates

During addressing a election rally in West Bengal, Amit Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee over 'Jai Shri Ram' chant. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Amit Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee over 'Jai Shri Ram' chant

During addressing a rally, Priyanka Gandhi compares PM Modi with Duryodhan, Villain of Mahabharat.

India Election Watch: Priyanka Gandhi compares PM Modi with Duryodhan, Villain of Mahabharat

Rally roster for top leaders for May 07th, 2019. Watch more to know.

India Election Watch: Rally roster for top leaders for May 07th, 2019

Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman calls 'Mamata Banerjee'- A threat to Democracy. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Nirmala Sitaraman calls 'Mamata Banerjee'- A threat to Democracy

Polling in 51 parliamentary constituencies across 7 states is being held in the 5th phase of Lok Sabha election 2019 Monday. The 5th phase of polling will decide the fate of several key leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Union Minister Smriti Irani.

India Votes: 51 seats across 7 states go to polls

Watch Key battles in phase 5 of Lok Sabha elections 2019.

India Votes: Key battles in phase 5 of Lok Sabha elections 2019

Polling in 51 parliamentary constituencies across 7 states is being held in the 5th phase of Lok Sabha election 2019 Monday. The 5th phase of polling will decide the fate of several key leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Union Minister Smriti Irani. Watch this video to know more.

India Votes: Is U.P. heading for a tight finish?

India Votes: Lok Sabha elections phase 5 voting underway

India Votes: Which way will Bihar sway

Violence took place in Shopian and Pulwama, Kashmir before 5th phase of LS polls. Watch this video to know more.

Clashes broke out in Shopian & Pulwama

India Votes: Voting begins in Gandhi bastions

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - May 6th, 2019

As Amethi parliamentary constituency went into polls in the 5th phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Monday, Union Minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani hit out at opponent Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleging booth capturing in the constituency. Watch this video to know more.

Smriti Irani alleges voters being forced to vote for Congress

Watch this segment for top election news story updates.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Latest polling news

India Votes: 9 crore voters to decide fate of 674 candidates

This segment of India Election Watch explains you the story of swing votes. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: The story of swing votes

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Lok Sabha elections 2019: Watch latest election news

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Watch latest election news

Priyanka Gandhi & PM Modi's war of words

SC dismisses second plea against Rahul Gandhi

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South Africans head to polls tipped to be won by ANC

South Africa: Struggling 25 years after apartheid

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India Election Watch: Amit Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee over 'Jai Shri Ram' chant

India Election Watch: Priyanka Gandhi compares PM Modi with Duryodhan, Villain of Mahabharat

India Election Watch: Rally roster for top leaders for May 07th, 2019

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India Votes: 51 seats across 7 states go to polls

India Votes: Key battles in phase 5 of Lok Sabha elections 2019

India Votes: Is U.P. heading for a tight finish?

India Votes: Lok Sabha elections phase 5 voting underway

India Votes: Which way will Bihar sway

Clashes broke out in Shopian & Pulwama

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