Cape Town — Retired Constitutional Court judge, Johann Kreigler, said all voters had a moment to reflect on their choice before they cast their final votes.
Kriegler oversaw South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, said that despite massive improvements since the first election, the country’s democracy is nowhere near the level of ‘maturity’ that it should be, The Citizen reported.
“No, I do not think we are anywhere near maturity. Our democracy is young, vibrant, yet fragile. In any event, democracy is not a destination, but a journey. I had hoped that the partnership between white know-how and black legitimacy would last longer than it did.” Kreigler said.
He added that the emergence of parties such as the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party will ruffle some feathers but largely, he said there would be much less change than expected. Kriegler added that the country has evovled along expected lines but the governing party’s (ANC) moral descent has proved disapointing.
“I did not appreciate how much damage apartheid had done. While I don’t vote for a leader, one striking difference between 1994 and today is the absence of leaders – people who can rise above personal and party interests.” he said.
The counting of the voters ballots began last night and the latest results after 14% of votes tallied saw the ANC leading with 42.58% of votes, the DA in 2nd with 25.82% and the EFF in 3rd with 8.47% of the total votes.
Ballot counting is underway in South Africa’s hotly contested election since the ANC came to power 30 years ago. Newzroom Afrika’s @sholwana_z reports from Kimberley.
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— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 30, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
