OPINION | Concerns have been raised that the IEC is not fulfulling all of its mandate - such as providing voter education, writes tebogokhaas
The writer questions whether the IEC has done enough voter education? Photo: Sharon Seretlo/Gallo Images
The United Nations edifies us that in"every election, voter and civic education are necessary to ensure that all constituents — men and women alike — understand their rights, their political system, the contests they are being asked to decide, and how and where to vote." Voter education is essential for, inter alia, providing information on who is eligible to vote; where and how to register; how voters can check the voters' roll to ensure that they have been duly registered; the type of election being contested; and reinforcing the essence of universal suffrage.'Voting means nothing' - What's fuelling youth voter apathy
There are many ways to protest via the ballot. Protest votes could be rendered by casting blank ballots, spoiled ballots, or filling in words like"none of the above parties" on the ballot paper. Unlike abstentions, protest votes enhance participatory democracy and ensure that the culture of voting is maintained.
I was astounded recently when ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe invoked Sassa grants as being on the line, ostensibly, were voters to abandon his party. That the IEC allows such outright disinformation to be disseminated is profoundly concerning and merely shows a lack of effective voter education. In any event, what do social grants have to do with local government elections? Meanwhile, one would be forgiven for thinking that we are in the throes of a general election.
Recalls can serve as a critical valve to release pent up voter frustrations and discontent. Crucially, more needs to be done to edify communities of inherent responsibilities that accompany suffrage. It cannot be that members of society stand idly by when public infrastructure is damaged during service delivery protests. In fact, many turn a blind eye when neighbours make illegal electricity and water connections, affecting systems and utility availability for those who pay their dues.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
JOHAN STEYN: The state of artificial intelligence in SABusiness leaders need to educate themselves on the pitfalls and advantages of smart technology 🔒
Read more »
Civil Society Watch 11-17 October: Thuli Madonsela’s social justice summit, ending child marriages, gender equity in health and marking World Food DayFrom the basic income grant and disinformation, to vaccine uptake and world hunger, this is your week in civil society.
Read more »
WEBINAR | Voter mobilisation: how to motivate non-votersSPONSORED | Voter apathy in SA is high and voter registration is low. Register now for our next FREE Business Day Dialogues LIVE on Oct 14, with KasSouthAfrica, where leaders will debate the reasons for this state of affairs and the solutions we need.
Read more »
Blade Nzimande discriminating by failing to categorise Afrikaans as indigenous, says John SteenhuisenHe made the remarks leading a protest and petition handover at the minister’s offices in Pretoria
Read more »