South African election officials predict a record turnout in today’s general election. In the South African province of Gauteng, officials report that ballot boxes are too full.

Jacob Zuma, leader of South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Conference, is confident that a high voter turnout will result in a “decisive mandate” for the ANC.

Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, announces a 50% tax raise for those earning more than 150,000 pounds annually, and predicts that the British economy will shrink by 3.5% in 2009.

Pakistani Taliban militants expand their control to Buner, a district adjacent to the Swat Valley.