Too many South Africans are dissatisfied with politics and the political class, and therefore dissatisfied with democracy and voting, the authors write.
Photo: Sharon Celetro, Gallo Images
He writes that although South Africans make choices about many things every day, when it comes to politics they are quite happy to leave the choices to others. Mike Pothier and marlene bernard.
I choose what I wear for the day and what I eat for lunch. You think carefully about how to make money at the supermarket. If you want to go on vacation, buy a new car, or afford to attend college, carefully consider your options. Of course, it's your life, so you make the decisions.
So why do so many of us leave our choices to others when it comes to politics?
People elected to political office make decisions on our behalf that affect our daily lives and the development of our country. They formulate policies regarding health care, education, housing, water, and employment. They control our taxes. If they are honest and competent, they will spend their money well. If not…well, we know what happens then.
Read | 2024 election overview: SA's biggest turning point in 30 years
Obviously, we all want the best people to represent our interests. But it doesn't just happen. we have to make it happen. Therein lies the problem. Too many South Africans are dissatisfied with democracy and voting because they are dissatisfied with politics and the political class. They say there is no “good” choice, but not choosing is worse. Here's why:
Voting is the easiest way to stand up for the issues we care about, like affordable housing, more jobs, quality education, and crime. By not voting, you are letting other people, including politicians you may not really trust, make decisions about these things for you. Why would you do that if you can't have the same people choosing your hair or coffee?
Don't you think so? Just ask any politician who has ever been voted out of office or lost an election. It makes a huge difference for them! There are no wasted votes in our system. Every vote is counted and goes to one party or candidate. Your vote helps put people you want into Congress and keeps people you don't want out. It's really that simple.
- There's never been a better time to speak your mind
Elections are the perfect opportunity to judge those in power and hold them accountable for what they promised and delivered over the past five years. It's up to us to decide if they did a good job. Refusing to vote out of dissatisfaction simply means that fewer people will vote for the winner and take power.
In one way or another, everyone in our community pays taxes. Even if you don't pay income tax, you still pay value-added tax, fuel tax, or “sin tax” on beer and cigarettes. Are you really happy to let anyone spend that money? Voting gives you the chance to influence how your rand is spent, and by whom and what it's used for. Take some time to think about which option is most likely to be a wise use of your tax dollars.
- others should vote for you
Our community is made up of family, friends, loved ones, neighbors, and children. Some people may not realize the importance of voting, some may be too young, and some may be sick. However, they are still concerned about the future and well-being of their country, especially their children. By making the effort to vote, you promote their rights and interests as well as your own.
In any democracy, the right to govern should ultimately belong to all citizens, not just a few. Yes, democracy is not a silver bullet for happiness. It's a messy business, full of difficult compromises and sometimes tedious discussions. After all, we all have different ideas about how to make our country a better place to live. But democracy remains the best way to involve everyone in the decision-making process, and voting is a central part of that. It is a right that many South Africans have fought for and died for.Surely you have that right too. do not have But is it really a wise choice given the many challenges facing South Africa?
Maybe you're thinking about not voting because you can't decide who to vote for? Luckily, there's a wide range of parties to choose from. Some have a long track record, while others are “newcomers.” For the first time in this election, you will also be able to vote for an independent candidate instead of or in addition to a political party. You will never find a political party or candidate that perfectly fits your ideals. This is politics, not politics. barbie – but with just a little effort, you can definitely see which of them speaks the most sense and seems honest and focused enough to put their words into action. Then go vote. Don't let others make your choices.
– Senior Assistant Secretary Mike Pothier is a program manager for the Catholic Congressional Liaison Office (CPLO) and a facilitator for the Civic Academy's Constitutionalism and Governance training program.
– Marlene Barnard is Senior Project Officer at the Hans Seidel Foundation.
Want to learn more about elections and how the electoral system works? election video series of citizen academy,'s free online education initiative Hans Seidel Foundation.
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