South Africa will hold elections on May 29th. The expected end result will be a new dawn for a population estimated at 62 million people. Since achieving political independence, South Africa has overcome various difficulties and challenges at various stages of democratic development.
The African National Congress (ANC) is South Africa's ruling party and has been in power since the end of apartheid. The party played an important role in the liberation struggle and is considered the people's party. Under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, the ANC led the country's transition to democracy and has dominated the political scene ever since.
But in recent years, the ANC has faced criticism for corruption, mismanagement and broken promises, which has led to a decline in its popularity. It has faced criticism from the Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), United Democratic Movement (UDM) and African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP).
As South Africa continues to grapple with challenges related to corruption, unemployment, poverty and inequality, the role of these political parties will be critical in shaping the country's future. The upcoming general election will be an important test of their influence and ability to address the pressing issues facing the nation.
In the latest elections held on May 8, 2019, the ANC won 58% of the vote and 230 seats, while the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, won 21% of the vote and 84 seats. The Economic Freedom Fighters, founded by Julius Malema, a former ANC Youth League president who was later expelled from the ANC, won 11% of the vote and 44 seats.
The elections scheduled for May 29th represent the lofty principles of democracy, equality and a better life for all South Africans. President Cyril Ramaphosa was last elected on a party ticket and is one of the presidential candidates this time.
1) How is South Africa preparing for the May 29 elections?
• South Africa's political situation is stable. The country has a multiparty political system, which remains vibrant and reinforces a mature democracy.
• The government and opposition parties are working closely together to address socio-economic challenges affecting people.
• The Bill of Rights reaffirms the right of citizens to form political parties and participate in their activities. Parliament amended Election Law 73 of 1998 to allow independent candidates to participate in national and local elections.
2) About participating political parties and voters
• The strength of South Africa’s multiparty political system was also demonstrated by the country’s successful hosting of 2021 local government elections, the results of which were widely accepted as free and fair.
• President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa has officially declared that the 7th NPE will be held on 29 May 2024.
• In response to this declaration, the IEC published an election schedule outlining various activities to be completed by election day. The IEC confirmed that 27.7 million people registered to vote in 2024, compared to 25.3 million and 26.7 million registered voters in the 2014 and 2019 elections, respectively. Of these, 58,802 South Africans will vote at diplomatic missions around the world.
3) How competitive will the upcoming elections be in South Africa?
• It is noteworthy that more than 300 political parties announced their intention to participate in the elections before and after the declaration on election day. He has also surpassed 500 independent candidates who intend to join his NPE in 2024. However, after a process of verification and challenge, only his 70 political parties and his 11 independent candidates were announced as finalists for his NPE in 2024. Subsequently, the IEC issued certificates to 14 889 candidates contesting the 887 seats of his NPE in 2024.
• Registered voters who are unable to vote at a polling place on Election Day because of pregnancy, infirmity, disability, or work will hold a special ballot on May 27-28, 2024. However, these individuals cannot vote in local elections. They had until May 3, 2024 to apply for a special vote.
4) Who is monitoring the electoral process in this country?
• Election observation missions from both the African Union (AUEOM) and the Southern African Development Community Election Observation Mission (SEOM) will participate in the 2024 NPE. This ensures that South Africa upholds democratic standards, promotes transparency and contributes to the overall success of the electoral process.
• Political parties and independent candidates have shown political maturity in their campaigning to date. Preparations for his NPE in 2024 are proceeding smoothly despite ongoing court challenges involving the IEC and some political parties.
The name “South Africa” derives from the country's geographic location at the southern tip of Africa. After its formation, the country was named the Union of South Africa in English and Unie van Zuid-Afrika in Dutch, after the union of four of Britain's colonies. The long official name in English has been the Republic of South Africa since 1961.
South Africa is a multi-ethnic society embracing diverse cultures, languages and religions. Its economy is diverse and the most industrialized and technologically advanced in Africa. It is the second largest economy in Africa after Nigeria.
It is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union (AU), BRICS, and many other international organizations. and neighboring countries Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. To the east and northeast are Mozambique and Eswatini, and South Africa is the southernmost tip of Africa.
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