Heavy price has been paid for us to vote in coming polls

By Minister Des Van Rooyen

Anyone who has ever stood in a voting booth and made a mark for the party or candidate of their choice knows the satisfaction of being involved in the democratic process. In South Africa our democracy is strengthened and reaffirmed every few years through the national and local elections. 

On 3 August millions of South Africans will go to the polls and vote in the 2016 local government elections. Many seasoned voters will no doubt be transported back to the historic first free and fair vote in 1994, while first time voters will revel in the experience of making their mark for democracy.

Whatever the experience on voting day, one thing is certain - every vote counts. We dare not take our vote for granted as countless South Africans paid the ultimate price so that their fellow citizens would be free to select a government and public representatives of their choice.

The right to vote is protected by the Constitution under the Bill of Rights. Regular elections are an essential part of any democracy. A vote is more than just democracy in action, it puts direct power in the hands of every eligible voter to determine who will govern the country, provinces and municipalities. 

Our participation in the 2016 local government elections is therefore critical. The choices we make in these elections will remain with us for five years. The councillors we vote for and elect will be responsible for governing our municipalities for the next five years.

The registration period for the elections has now closed, however voters who are already registered can SMS their ID number to 32810 (at a cost of R1) to receive confirmation of their voter registration details, including the name of their voting stations.

To vote in the upcoming elections you must be in possession of a green barcoded ID book, a new smart ID card or a valid temporary identity certificate. Citizens can only vote if they have registered to vote and if their names appears on the voters’ roll.

Government encourages South Africans to come out in their numbers on Election Day to make their mark.  We are a maturing democracy and worldwide the issue of voter apathy is often more marked in well-established democracies.

However, were one to judge from the millions of people who registered and re-registered during the two voter registration weekends, our democracy remains strong and vibrant. 

A total of 26 333 3535 voters have been certified on the voters role and are eligible to cast their ballots on 3 August. The voters’ roll contains 2 678 307 more voters, which translates to an 11% increase from the previous local government elections in 2011.

Government is, however, concerned about the sporadic incidents of violence and intimidation that we have witnessed in various parts of the country. There have also been threats by certain individuals and communities to disrupt elections.

Such behaviour is not in keeping with the spirit of our hard-fought democracy and deprives other citizens of their democratic right to vote. It is also totally unnecessary given that our democratic space has ample mechanisms for communities or individuals to make their concerns heard without resorting to violence and intimidation.

Government remains hopeful that those with grievances will follow the appropriate channels to make their voices heard. We will, however, also put in place the necessary security and safety arrangements to ensure a safe and free and fair elections.

Des Van Rooyen is the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

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