Politicians must learn to treat the electorate with respect.
Election posters of different political parties displayed in Pretoria ahead of national and provincial elections to be held on 29 May 2024.The advent of democracy in 1994 was characterised by euphoria. Over time, some of the 19 political parties which participated in that election have ceased to exist. New ones have emerged. The popularity of some parties has declined.
After growing from 66.3% in 1999 or 266 seats to 69.6% or 278 seats in 2004, the ANC has been on a downward spiral. In 2009 it obtained 65.9% votes or 264 seats. This figure declined to 62.1% or 249 seats in 2014 and further declined to 57.5% or 230 seats in 2019. The ANC continues to lead with a reduced majority.
The IFP has had its fair share of challenges which showed the party’s support fluctuating. In 1999, the IFP obtained 8.5% or 34 seats. During the next election in 2004, the IFP’s support declined to 6.9% or 28 seats. In 2009, this decline continued to 4.5% or 18 seats. As if this was not enough, in the next election in 2014, the emergence of the NFP reduced the IFP’s support to 2.4% or 10 seats. Internal squabbles in the NFP and the ANC benefitted the IFP. In 2019, the party’s support grew to 3.
The electorate is diverse. Gone are the days when voters were linked to their parties by the history of the liberation struggle and racial connections. Today people focus on bread-and-butter issues like water, electricity, jobs, etc.
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