ATM voices need for ‘rigorous’ voter education in South Africa

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) says it recognises the need for rigorous voter education in South Africa, adding that “an informed electorate is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.”

The Party made the statement after its leadership had attended the recent launch of the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) election program for the upcoming year.

In its statement, the ATM emphasized the importance of the proposed voter education to be extended to townships and rural areas.

“For far too long, voter education has been reserved for affluent communities alone. This is unacceptable and needs to change. We are resolute in our commitment to ensuring that voter education reaches every corner of our nation, especially those areas that have been historically underserved,” the ATM said.

RELATED STORY: IEC concludes revision of voting district boundaries.

Moreover, the ATM is advocating for an independent auditing of election results to help maintain the credibility of the General Elections.

“In addition, the ATM firmly warns against politically aligned election officials. The impartiality and integrity of electoral officers are of paramount importance to ensure a fair and unbiased electoral process. We call for strict measures to prevent any political bias among these officials.”

The Electoral Commission formally launched the 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE 2024) programme on Tuesday, as a means of declaring its readiness to host millions of eligible voters at over 23 296 voting stations across the country next year.

According to the IEC, the NPE 2024 will be historic as independent candidates will, for the first time, be able to contest for seats in the national and provincial elections.

The legislation enabling the participation of independent candidates was signed into law in April by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

At the launch, Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo explained that while the term of office of the current legislatures, national and provincial governments ends around 18 May 2024, the national and provincial governments will remain until the newly elected public representatives are able to take office.

He said that in terms of the Constitution, the country must have an election within 90 days of the expiry of the legislatures’ terms.