THE Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says the forthcoming elections will not only be highly contested, they will also take place in a hostile environment that is increasingly manifesting itself.
At a recent media conference attended by this newspaper, a senior IEC official listed a number of factors that support this viewpoint.
One is the upsurge in litigious actions, with a growing number of politicians and parties laying court charges and counter-claims.
This period is also characterised by a rise in intra- and inter-party conflict, including numerous politically-linked assassinations.
The failing economy is also a negative factor, with financial – and governance – weaknesses in some municipalities limiting the resources that can contribute to the smooth running of elections.
Fragile coalitions in a number of municipal councils has led to an increase in the number of by-elections and dissolved councils, which further diverts resources from the general elections
Added to that is mismanagement and corruption at many levels.
At the same time, service delivery protests, including complaints of unequal service, are escalating.
Dissatisfied members of the public are using the media focus on the elections to vent their feelings and frustrations, drawing attention to their grievances.
Some of these protests may also have been instigated by parties wishing to give the impression of poor governance on the part of opposition incumbents.
Yet another threat to a free and fair election process is the risk of digital propaganda, with misinformation, disinformation and smear campaigns rife.
The use of social media platforms to influence the outcome of elections has escalated, while cyber attacks on elections have reportedly increased significantly in recent years.
All the above comment reinforces the need for voters to be aware of the influences that might cloud their judgement and undermine the right to their uncontaminated participation in this important historic milestone on our democratic journey.
