South Africa Persuade Its Citizens to Partake In Forthcoming Election

South Africa organized a significant voter registration campaign on Saturday, November 18 in an effort to address prevalent disinterest leading up to the upcoming national elections.

Polling stations throughout the country welcomed individuals to either register or verify their information during this two-day initiative, aiming to entice voters who have been reluctant to participate in recent years.

The government's poor services, long-lasting energy crisis, and struggling economy have caused many South Africans to lose faith in their leaders.

 Over the years, voter turnout has decreased since the exciting first democratic elections in 1994. In the 2019 elections, only 49% of eligible voters participated. Young people, in particular, have been less likely to vote, with only 15% of 18 to 19-year-olds and 30% of 20 to 29-year-olds casting their ballots.

The electoral commission recently urged the 14 million unregistered youth to register and take action. Their message on social media called on young people to mobilize and visit a registration station.

The release by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa stated that, "Next year, the country will be celebrating 30 years since all South Africans queued at the ballot box for the first time to exercise their democratic right to vote and choose who represents them in Parliament. Prior to the first democratic elections in 1994, voting was reserved for the white minority"

It further stated that the Presiding officers said, "We would like to remind South Africans that voting remains the single most important way to make their voices heard on issues that concern them. Voting gives every eligible voter an opportunity to be part of the decision-making process, especially on issues that directly affect their lives,”