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Election Day 2014 - Today, the world will watch as South Africa holds one of its most divisive elections ever, as well as its first without the late Nelson Mandela’s presence. Keep reading to learn more about the candidates, the country’s current political climate and the "born free” generation slated to make their historic mark at the voting booth. —Patrice Peck(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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ANC: The Ruling Party - Twenty years ago, South Africa ended apartheid with its first non-racial, democratic election. The African National Congress won the majority of votes in 1994, making the party’s president, Nelson Mandela, the nation’s first Black president. Today, the party controls eight out of South Africa's nine provinces.(Photo: REUTERS/Mike Hutchings)

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The Incumbent President - Having held the majority of the seats in the National Assembly since 1994, the ANC is expected to win re-election this year, albeit with a possibly reduced majority. Incumbent President Jacob Zuma has sought votes by highlighting what he considers to be improvements, including the provision of housing, water and electricity to millions.(Photo: REUTERS/Mike Hutchings)

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Democratic Alliance - Former journalist and anti-apartheid activist Helen Zille is leading the centrist party Democratic Alliance, the ANC’s main opponent. Her critics say she lacks the credibility and political savvy to connect with South Africa’s Black majority, while her supporters credit her with defending the country’s liberal constitution and keeping the ANC in check.(Photo: REUTERS/Mike Hutchings)

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Economic Freedom Fighters - As the leader of another key rival party, Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema aims to redistribute the nation’s wealth. The 33-year-old militant leader, who was expelled from the ANC Youth’s League's top position in 2012, has made critics weary with controversial policies, such as redistributing white-owned farmland. (photo: REUTERS/Skyler Reid)

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Disillusioned Citizens - Despite the country’s new freedoms, many South Africans have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the ANC, pointing to a growing culture of elitism, economic inequality and corruption. President Zuma is currently at the center of a public scandal, having reportedly used more than $20 million in state spending on upgrading his private home.(Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

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To Vote or Not to Vote - A number of politically disenchanted South Africans, such as Ronnie Kasrils, a former intelligence minister and onetime ruling party stalwart, have been urging people to vote against the ANC or spoil their ballots, AP reported. The ANC countered by reminding voters that "the right to vote is a coveted prize that was earned under difficult and painful circumstances." (Photo: AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

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Voting Stations - With about 25 million people, roughly half the population, registered to vote on Wednesday, 22,363 voting stations have been setup across the the country. The stations will open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. For a list of voting stations, head here.(Photo: REUTERS/Rogan Ward)

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Generation “Born Free” - For the first time ever, the "born free” generation — those South Africans who are too young to remember apartheid — will be casting ballots. More young South Africans have registered to vote in this election than ever before, according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Thirty to 39-year-olds make up the biggest segment of voters (6.18-million), followed by 20- to 29-year-olds (5.7-million.)(Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

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South Africans Abroad - As for those South African citizens living abroad, some 26,000 have successfully applied to vote at 116 stations worldwide.(Photo: CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

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A National Holiday - To encourage all registered voters to cast their ballots, Wednesday has been declared a public holiday in South Africa. The government has instructed those businesses open on holidays, and farmers, in particular, to allow their employees to exercise their democratic right to vote.(Photo: Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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Security Concerns - Twenty thousand law enforcement officers will be stationed nationwide to ensure security during voting. (Photo: MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images

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Security Hot Spots - Particular areas, such as parts of the North West and Bekkersdal in Gauteng, have been singled out by President Zuma as potential hot spots due to past attacks on ANC leaders and campaigners.(photo: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko)

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We Want Peace - "We are very concerned about it, partly because we want peaceful elections so that we can say they were free and fair,” said President Zuma about the possibility of voting day violence.(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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The Results - The final election results will be released within seven days of Election Day, according to IEC. Experts predict that while ANC will likely win despite having its weakest emergence ever, the growing dissatisfaction with the government could lead to increasing, widespread social unrest and violent confrontations.(Photo: AP Photo/Ben Curtis)