Freedom Day: There is no better time for South Africans to exercise their right than now!

By: Yolokazi Mfuto

More than 70 nations, which are home to more than half of the world’s population, will have elections in 2024. According to observers, “each of these elections is crucial to the citizens involved, and cumulatively they will have an enormous impact on the world.” Analysts are calling this the “biggest election year in history.”

South Africa is no exception, the country will be heading to the polls on the 29 May 2024 for the 7^th time since the dawn of democracy.  However, one of the most worrying issues is that over the years the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has seen plummeting voter turnout, and it is daunting for democracy. Voting is one of the most important channels in democratic processes to share views and contribute to decision making. When participation in low, there is a risk on the legitimacy of government. This has a potential to undermine the citizens’ faith in democratic processes and may lead to cynicism and disillusionment.

For South Africa, Freedom Day, 27 April is deeply ingrained in history and culture, marking a turning point in the country’s transition to a democratic and more inclusive society. The purpose of this day is to commemorate the first democratic elections after many years of discrimination. It is also a day to honor the sacrifices made by activists, freedom fighters, and other people who fought against apartheid. Additionally, it upholds the principles of equality, harmony, tolerance, and reconciliation—all of which are necessary to create a progressive democratic state.

This is a day marked to celebrate the triumph of democracy over oppression and the realisation of the dreams of millions of South Africans who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of justice and equality. It signalled the beginning of a new country in which all people have equal rights and opportunities, regardless of race. On this election day more than eighty seven percent of the eligible voters went to cast their vote.

Prior to 1994, the apartheid government enforced institutionalised racial discrimination and segregation, further dividing South Africa along racial lines. Basic human rights: including the right to vote and involvement mainstream politics, were denied to the majority black population as well as other ethnic groups. After decades of struggle, resistance, and international denunciation of apartheid, the country gained freedom.  

The concept of the right to life, liberty, and property as conceived by philosopher John Locke are fundamental to the liberal ideas that has ushered democracy. Therefore, it is important that the ideals of democracy are kept alive and for democracy to survive, it needs participation.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) as ratified by South Africa in 1998 protects the right of everyone to hold opinion without interference. It further established the right to freedom of expression. The right to freedom of opinion and expression is a central pillar of democratic societies, and haven for free and fair electoral processes. Therefore, freedom of expression is the cornerstone of democracy.

Voting is essential to ensure the legitimacy of government. Secondly, elections seek to allow people the choice of to be represented by people who they trust in decision making, interests and beliefs. Furthermore, voting provides a direct avenue for individuals to participate in democratic process and freedom of expression to advise on how society is developed. It gives people the ability to use their civic rights and participate in the decision-making process.

It is worth noting that there are apathetic voters. Majority of these people believe that their vote won’t matter or that politicians don’t reflect their interests, which makes them feel disengaged or uninterested in the political processes. In the same breath, there those who are disillusioned. They have lost faith in the political system because of perceived corruption, unfulfilled promises, or a lack of significant change.

The declining voter turnout has been worrisome. From 1994 out of the eighteen million eligible voters, eighty nine percent turned out to vote. In 2004, twenty million people registered to vote, seventy six percent cast their vote. In 2009, twenty-three million people were registered to vote, 77 percent people turned [The voter turnout increased by one percent]. In 2014, twenty-five million people were registered to vote, seventy three percent turned out. In the previous National and Provincial elections in 2019, twenty-six million people were registered and only 66 percent came out to vote.

Currently, the IEC has published that more than twenty-seven million people have registered to vote, it is a plea to all who have registered to honour their commitment and vote on election day.

The vote is not only important for candidates, but it crucial to keep the lifeline for our democracy.

Yolokazi Mfuto is a communications strategist at the DDP and writes in her personal capacity.