WeeklySA_AdminCountdown: Nation pins hopes on peaceful outcome and free and fair elections
By Monk Nkomo
‘’ Regardless of who wins, an election should be a time for optimism and fresh approaches’’, New Mexico governor Gary Johnson once said.
This famous quote should reverberate in the minds of the millions of South Africans who will be casting their votes in South Africa’s national and provincial elections on May 29 for the political parties of their choice who they think should govern the country.
Major political parties who would be contesting these general elections include the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Party (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), ActionSA and the new political party-on-the-block, Umkhonto we Sizwe.
After months of campaigning throughout the country and making almost identical promises – provision of water and housing, creating jobs for the unemployed youths, eradication of crime and free education – the results of those who believed in the plausibility of the lofty promises would be revealed after the voting.
There has, however, been a clarion call for all political parties and independent candidates as well as the community at large, to accept the results after the people of South Africa have spoken.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced its readiness to conduct free and fair elections in a democratic atmosphere. International observers will also be on hand to ensure that the elections are managed efficiently. The electorate have been assured by the country’s security agencies that no intimidation or disruptions would be tolerated.
Security
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (JOINTS), led by the South African Police Services, South African National Defence Force and the State Security Agency, are confident that they had put in place sufficient measures to quell any incidence of violence or disruptions on election day. Security is expected to be beefed up especially at the hotspots throughout the country.
All political parties have appealed to all South Africans who qualified to cast their vote. A Cambodian-American activist once reminded voters that voting was precious. ‘’ It is the most powerful non-violent tool in a democratic society and we must use it.’’
Rallies
Several political parties are expected to round off their campaigns with rallies in various provinces on Saturday. They include the ANC which will hold their Siyanqoba rally at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg and the EFF, which will hold theirs at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
In the end, the victorious political party will carry on the shoulders the aspirations and hopes of the nation as it forges another chapter beyond the 30-year milestone of democracy. Upon which, the words of wisdom from the Canadian author would be instructive : ‘’ Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.’’
IEC
In a message today, IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo said an important milestone was reached on May 18 when the first votes in the NPE2024 were cast. A total of 56,800 votes were cast at 111 foreign missions around the world. Those registered to vote at the London voting station were given an extra day – May 19 – because of the high number of voters registered there.
Mamabolo added:
• On 27 May and 28 May, the Commission will accept Special Votes from the 1,668,076 South Africans who were approved for this category of votes. The Commission will visit 624,593 voters at their homes or places of confinement, and 1,043,483 will be assisted at voting stations where they are registered.
• The provinces with the most approved special votes for both home visits and voting station visits are Gauteng (335,480), KwaZulu-Natal (320,010), Eastern Cape (286,059), Limpopo (159,800), Western Cape (137,558), North West (132,627), Mpumalanga (126,112), Free State (86,908), and Northern Cape (83,504).
• Trained staff, agents from political parties and independent candidates, as well as accredited observers, will be present when the special votes are cast.
• As we embark on this momentous journey, we find inspiration in the unwavering commitment of our staff, who will be present at all 23,303 voting stations, diligently attending to the needs of those unable to visit the stations, ensuring a seamless and inclusive voting experience for all. The appointment of 202,500 voting officials, including a new category of staff dedicated to enhancing the counting quality, underscores our resolute dedication to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
• The Commission takes immense pride in announcing the completion of ballot printing and delivery of over 90 million ballots meticulously prepared for this historic occasion. Voters will be presented with three ballot papers: The National Compensatory Ballot for political parties, the Provincial Ballot, and the Regional Ballot for parties and independent candidates. We remind all voters of the sacred principle: “One ballot, One Mark.”
• The Commission today launches the National Results Operation Centre – a theatre of electoral transparency. Housed at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, the ROC will serve as the beating heart of our democratic process, bringing together Commission members, operational areas, representatives of political parties and independent candidates, observer missions, and media representatives from across the globe. There will be ROCs across all the nine provinces
• A record-breaking 160 organisations, collectively deploying over 5 000 observers from around the world, will witness and validate the integrity of our electoral process. This includes esteemed international bodies such as the African Union, The Carter Centre Democracy Program, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, alongside a legion of domestic observers committed to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability.
