South Africa\'s Ramaphosa votes in country\'s elections

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Cyril Ramaphosa cast his vote in Soweto on Wednesday (May 9), in South Africa's first elections since he became president.

This year's provincial and parliamentary polls are being seen as the ruling African National Congress party's toughest yet.

Ramaphosa became the ANC leader after narrowly defeating a faction allied with former President Jacob Zuma.

Since taking office he has promised to improve service delivery, create jobs and fight corruption.

But his reforms have been held up by divisions and opposition within his own party.

After casting his vote, Ramaphosa told media that this vote marks a new future for the country.

The ANC won 62% of the vote in 2014's parliamentary election, down from 2009 and far short of its best result, 69% in 2004 under President Thabo Mbeki.

Analysts say falling support is due to corruption allegations against government officials, a slowing economy with one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, and demands from black citizens for more equitable distribution of land.

Opinion polls suggest the ANC will again win a majority of the 400 seats in the National Assembly, however analysts have predicted its margin of victory will fall.