WITH less than a week to go before voting commences in the 2019 national and provincial elections, there are a number of positives for voters to consider.
One significant factor is that South Africa’s election system is extremely well managed by the Electoral Commission.
This includes trustworthy preparation and checking of the voters’ roll, as well as proper arrangement and planning of voting stations and deployment of adequately trained personnel to man these locations.
In addition, voters are assured of their safety on the day, both by the presence of the SAPS as well as the oversight of the presiding officers and their teams.
Political parties also ‘police’ each other’s behaviour.
Another plus on the eve of the big day is that our country has a great reputation for its credible democratic elections.
Not once since 1994 has any election been queried as to the validity of the final result; there has been a total absence of vote rigging determining the outcome, as confirmed by impartial observers.
The ‘free and fair’ verdict has largely been accepted without challenge – though politicians do not concede defeat easily and there will always be some who would contest results.
Neither has there been evidence of the confidentiality of votes having been compromised: nobody will ever know how you voted, unless you tell them. Don’t be bullied into doing so.
So, voters can place their crosses with confidence – but please, whether young or old, do make the effort to vote.
It’s a rare opportunity to create change.
Deciding not to vote removes your right to complain about who is elected and how they govern.
By choosing not to exercise your democratic right to vote, you are by default allowing others to make your decisions for you.
And remember what’s at stake – taxes, jobs, water, sanitation, education and every other aspect of our daily lives – not only for ourselves, but for the next generation.
Who you vote for is your private business; but the outcome has consequences for the entire nation.
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