Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens, political parties, and civil society to collaborate in guaranteeing the success of this year’s election, framing it as a crucial step in the continuous process of democratic consolidation.
In his weekly newsletter, he highlighted the significance of safeguarding democracy and maintaining integrity throughout the electoral process.
“It is up to us all, whether as government, political parties, candidates, voters, the media or civil society organisations, to play our part by ensuring that our actions and words inspire faith in our democracy. We must continue to work together to ensure that nothing undermines the integrity of our elections.
“Above all, it is up to us all to ensure that this hard-won right to vote, for which so many sacrificed so much, is exercised by every eligible citizen in a climate free of intimidation and all forms of violence,” Ramaphosa said.
The the 2024 National and Provincial Elections are set for May 29th of this year.
Ramaphosa stressed the country’s achievements in electoral transparency and peacefulness over the past 30 years, dismissing concerns of democratic regression.
It is up to us all to ensure that this year’s election is a success in our ongoing journey of democratic consolidation. It is up to us all, whether as government, political parties, candidates, voters, the media or civil society organisations, to play our part by ensuring that… pic.twitter.com/s1cTxsNE6m
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 15, 2024
“As the country counts down to the election, the vibrant and robust campaigning that is taking place reflects how South Africa’s politics continues to evolve and mature. It is also a reflection of the many different views in our society and the variety of choices that voters have.
“In a democracy such as ours, we should not be worried about differences, even when sharply expressed. That is because the vast majority of South Africans value and respect the democratic process. They have faith in the rule of law and know that any disputes can be resolved through the courts and other legal avenues.
“Over the past 30 years we have held elections that are not only free and fair, but also peaceful and free of intimidation. Dire predictions of South Africa ‘regressing into violence’ or ‘democratic backsliding’ that regrettably remain a common feature of some reportage and analysis have been proven wrong time and again,” he said.
He also noted the growing participation of young voters and the overall health of South Africa’s democracy, emphasising the duty of citizens to exercise their right to vote in a climate free of intimidation and violence.
“While youth apathy is often cited as a problem in our country, some 55% of 18-24 year olds saw it as their duty to vote. It is significant that young people accounted for over 78% of new voter registrations last year. The IEC research also found that the majority of respondents agreed that democracy is preferable to other kinds of government.
“Despite its many challenges, our democracy is in good health. Even as political and other forms of contestation continue in the run-up to this year’s polls, they are taking place under the broad umbrella of a constitutional order characterised by fundamental freedoms and human rights,” Ramaphosa said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
