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South Africans are voting in the third all-race elections, 10 years after the end of apartheid. Archbishop Desmond Tutu danced for joy after casting his ballot.

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Some started to queue before polling stations opened at 0700 local time (0500 GMT).

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As voting is still a relative novelty, some brushed up on the procedure while waiting for the polling stations to open.

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Former President Nelson Mandela said he still felt 'elated' at voting for the third time.

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Some of the elderly needed help to cast their ballot. Earlier in the week, election officials visited hospitals, so the sick were not excluded.

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The ruling ANC is expected to win a large majority, with many remembering it as the party which ended apartheid.

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However, it has been criticised over its handling of poverty, crime and HIV/Aids.

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Election officials reported minor delays at some polling stations but, despite the queues, said voting was going smoothly in most areas.

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An official checks voters' ID papers. Thousands of local election observers are also being deployed to ensure voting is free and fair.