Twenty years into democracy, multi-party politics is flourishing in South Africa, with a record number of political parties set to contest the country's fifth national and provincial elections on 7 May.

By voting you help make democracy work, and play a part in keeping South Africa's democracy alive. You help make sure ordinary people have a say in the way the country is governed.

By voting, you are using your right as a citizen to choose your government.

Voting is your chance to pick the people – in both the national government and the government of your province – who you think will deliver the services you need, and protect your rights.

You can vote for anyone you want – the party you supported in earlier elections, a different party, or a new party. Your vote is secret and nobody can tell you who to vote for.

• Share with us why are you voting?

Source: SouthAfrica.info