Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Des Erasmus
Published on 2024-02-20 18:10:48
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the date for the national and provincial elections in South Africa, which will be held on May 29, 2024. The decision was made after consultation with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and comes at a time when the country is celebrating 30 years of freedom and democracy.
The president emphasized the importance of the elections, not only as a constitutional obligation but also as a celebration of the democratic journey and a determination of the future that South Africans desire. He urged all citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote and called for peaceful campaigning within the full observance of the law. Additionally, he encouraged unregistered voters to use the online registration platform to register.
The upcoming elections are significant as the governing ANC is at its weakest since 1994, facing challenges such as breakaway parties, corruption, failing service delivery, and increasing economic hardship. The Democratic Alliance (DA), led by John Steenhuisen, sees the elections as a turning point for South Africa and a crucial time for the nation. The DA hopes to unseat the ANC via the Multi Party Charter for South Africa – a coalition of opposition parties – and to retain the Western Cape, which it currently governs.
Steenhuisen expressed the DA’s readiness for the elections, noting that the party has prepared meticulously for the upcoming challenge and is poised to build upon months of hard work across every town and city in South Africa.
The announcement of the election date comes as a relief, ending months of speculation and providing clarity for political parties and voters. It sets the stage for a critical and closely watched electoral battle that will shape the future of South Africa.
The announcement was made on Tuesday night, aligning with the democratic journey of the country. President Ramaphosa had met with provincial premiers and the IEC to discuss the state of readiness for the elections. The decision to have the elections coincide with the 30th anniversary of freedom and democracy underscores their significance in shaping the future of the nation.
As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, political parties and voters will engage in a period of intense campaigning and political discourse. May 29, 2024, will mark a pivotal moment in South Africa’s democratic history, as citizens exercise their right to vote and determine the direction of the country’s future.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
