The first votes for the 2009 general elections have been cast in — but not in South Africa.

Over 16 000 citizens abroad have registered to cast their ballots on Wednesday, with most of these voters registered in the United Kingdom, Dubai and Down Under.

The first South African to make their mark abroad did so in Australia.

Last month, the Constitutional Court ruled South African citizens in other countries would be allowed to take part in the polls — if they were already registered with the Independent Election Commission.

The South African High Commissioner in Australia, Lenin Shope, says there has been a disappointing turnout at all embassies and consulates there.

He explains there has been a misunderstanding.

"People were informed that they can vote at South African embassies and high commissions. They didn't specify that it is a consulate-general," says Shope.

He adds South Africa only has one official office in Australia, which is the high commission, and several honorary consulates, which are not voting stations.

Stormers cast votes

Among the first people to cast their ballots was members of the Vodacom Stormers rugby team.

The team's spokesperson Frikkie Erasmus says the team has already voted in Wellington, New Zealand.

"There's a lot of excitement. It's a bit of a break from the normal routine on tour. We had a practice session this morning and after practice everyone was off," says Erasmus.

There were long queues outside the South African High Commission in London on Wednesday morning as hundreds of citizens wait to vote.

Journalist Robert Cox is amongst them and he says there is a festive mood in Trafalgar Square.

"A lot of them are kind of thinking 'am I going to be able to vote before nine o'clock so I can get into the office?'. Those at the back of the queue have got a long wait. They're going to be here for some time," says Cox.

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