South Africa holds its local and national elections today in what will likely be the toughest election for the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party that has been in power since the end of apartheid thirty years ago.
The Evangelical Alliance of South Africa (TEASA) views this election as the most contested in the history of democracy in South Africa noting that numerous new political parties as well as independent candidates provide the electorate with more leadership options.
“The elections will happen in a context of national disillusionment over the high levels of graft by the ruling party, which in turn led to poor service delivery,” the TEASA stated.
“Whatever the outcome of the elections, the stark reality of high unemployment (32%) deepening poverty and inequality as well as low economic growth will pose a challenge for the incoming government to deliver on the basic expectations of the majority of South Africans,” it added.
Polls conducted via telephone by the Social Research Foundation, project that the ANC might not garner the required 50% of the votes. A majority in parliament would mean that the party would extend its reign in government and get to retain the presidency and all cabinet positions. But in view of the low ANC ratings, it is alleged that senior party leaders have been reaching out to the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led by firebrand Julius Malema for a possible post-election coalition.
Incumbent president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has in the past pledged to tackle South Africa’s most pressing issues of unemployment, corruption, crime and an electricity crisis that causes frequent and long power cuts.
This year, however, numerous new political parties as well as independent candidates have stepped forward to join the race, offering the electorate a better deal.
Whatever the outcome of the elections, the stark reality of high unemployment( 32%) deepening poverty and inequality as well as low economic growth will pose a challenge for the incoming government to deliver on the basic expectations of the majority of South Africans.
It is for this reason that TEASA calls upon all South Africans to exercise their right and duty to vote, and to do so with due regard to the lessons learned in the last 30 years of Democracy in South Africa, it said.
Additionally, TEASA calls upon all South Africans, beyond the exercise of their vote today to continually hold those in power accountable. Democracy works best with an active, vigilant and engaged citizenry, it said.
