And the government has raised eyebrows by inviting only the heads of state of its closest allies – such as African and Brics nations – to the inauguration of the new president after the elections. The Brics bloc of emerging nations comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa

Nkoana-Mashabane’s order dismayed some embassies which had planned to send several diplomats to polling stations around the country, as they have in the past. According to one ambassador, about 400 diplomats had got Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) accreditation to observe the elections.

Available: http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/iec-limits-foreign-observer-numbers-1.1683725#.U2sc96K59ts