Building the Foundation of Democracy: The Vital Role of Voting

By Tyesha Pillay

Globally, active participation in elections serves as the linchpin of democracy, constituting the fundamental mechanism for ensuring a representative political system. Nevertheless, South Africa grapples with a pressing predicament. In 2018, a departure from the norm unfolded, marking the first instance since 1994 where voter turnout fell below the 50% threshold. A mere 46% of eligible voters exercised their civic duty during that pivotal year (Shulz-Herzenberg 2020). Fast forward six years, and the apprehension lingers. With the 2024 election looming just months away, recent data from StatsSA (2023) unveils a troubling reality: the voter roll comprises only 26,468,106 South Africans, emphasising a substantial challenge of persistently low voter participation.

While it is acknowledged that Chapter 2 of the Constitution stipulates that citizens are free to make their own political choices, it is imperative to confront the issue of low voter turnout. Failing to address this concern not only contravenes the foundational principles of democracy but also carries wider societal consequences.

Factors contributing to low voter turnout

Reasons for low voter turnout in South Africa are not confined to a single problem and are rather multifaceted. These encompass, but are not restricted to, insufficient voter education, logistical shortcomings, and a pervasive belief that politicians are corrupt and lack the motivation to address service delivery concerns. However, I find that party apathy, specifically the disconnect between citizens and politicians, is an aspect often overlooked in discussions. On a personal level, I feel as though there is a lack of candidates and political options that align, at the very least, with some of my values and sentiments. This circumstance is disheartening, prompting me to scrutinize these choices and fostering a sense of disconnection from the available options. Tessa Dooms (2021) articulates it best when she says:

“It is commonplace to blame this phenomenon on voters, backed by ideas that voting is a sacrosanct civic duty and long ballots representing a wide range of options. But voting is a right like any other that can be refused, and more importantly, its importance surely calls for citizens to be so precious about their vote that if no party or person has presented themselves are worthy to represent the power of that vote that abstaining becomes a more reasonable option than playing what amounts to a casual game of Russian roulette with their ballot on voting day”.

The foundation of South African politics seems to rest on theatrics, showmanship, and a tendency toward blaming others, all while neglecting to inform the electorate about the party’s objectives or proposed solutions to address citizen concerns and current challenges. To enhance voter participation, there is a pressing need for politicians and parties to provide voters with more substantial content than mere spectacle and celebrity. In the face of governance difficulties, I echo the sentiments of many others when I emphasise that as voters, we prioritise tangible action, trustworthiness, and knowledge over party slogans and abstract goals. Meaningful engagement with voters becomes imperative for South Africa to experience a revived enthusiasm for elections and a restored confidence in the impactful nature of each vote.

Importance of voting

Within the tapestry of democratic societies, voting weaves the very fabric which binds citizens to their government. As such, voting is not merely their civic duty, it is the heart of democracy itself. By casting our vote, we exercise our agency – a right that empowers us to shape the trajectory of our country.

Second,  at its core, voting is the embodiment of equality. Regardless of one’s race, gender, social status, education, or economic standing, each eligible citizen possesses the equal right to participate in the electoral process. When we abstain from voting, the resulting government may not accurately reflect the diversity of the society it governs, perpetuating inequalities and hindering the pursuit of policies that address the needs of all citizens. Thus, voting is essential as it preserves our democracy and ensures that governments are elected by the people, for the people.

Third, voting is an opportunity to hold leaders accountable, as citizens have the power to reward or remove leaders based on their performance, decisions, and responsiveness to the needs of the people. Choosing not to cast your vote, increases the risk of officials feeling less accountable to the public and leading to a lack of transparency and responsiveness towards citizens’ concerns. Voting hence provides the means and ends for citizens to express their dissatisfaction with the status quo.

Fourth, voting is an investment in the future. The decisions made by elected officials have profound implications for our daily lives and the direction of the country. By participating in the voting process, we actively contribute to the development of policies which shape our communities, influence social norms, and impact the overall well-being of our society. Apathy in voting, on the other hand, surrenders the reins of governance to a select few, diminishing the very essence of democracy.

Fifth, voting fosters community building and civic engagement. Here, the electoral process encourages citizens to become more informed about local and national issues while engaging in discussions and sharing their concerns with fellow citizens.

Lastly, casting a vote is a tribute to those who fought and continue to fight for the right to vote. In South Africa, throughout history, marginalised groups have often faced adversity and injustice in their journey for suffrage. By exercising our right to vote, we honour the sacrifices made by those who paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable democracy.

Conclusion

In a world riddled with challenges and uncertainties, voting remains a beacon of hope. It is the tool that allows us to navigate the complex terrain of governance and assert our vision for a better tomorrow. As we stand at the crossroads of the future, let us remember that the power to shape our destiny lies not in the hands of a select few but in the collective will of an engaged and empowered citizenry. Given the Independent Electoral Commission’s (2023) announcement that over 560,000 individuals have registered as first-time voters, I am optimistic that we are making significant strides in addressing the issue of low voter turnout.

–         Tyesha Pillay is a Communications Strategist at the DDP and writes in her capacity.