The pivotal elections in South Africa took place on Wednesday, 29 May, marking the seventh National Election since the establishment of democracy in 1994. Registered voters went to the polls to cast their votes for the political party they believe will bring about positive change in the country. In this election, parties and candidates competed for 400 seats in parliament, with independent candidates participating for the first time.
Each voter had the opportunity to select a candidate using three different ballot papers: two for the national assembly and one for the provincial legislature in each of the nine provinces. The orange ballot paper was for the Regional National Assembly, the blue ballot was for the National Assembly, and the pink ballot was for the Provincial Legislature.
Fourteen parties vied for top positions in this year’s election, with the Democratic Alliance facing a new challenge from the MK party and the IFP. Other prominent parties included the EFF, Freedom Front Plus (VF+), African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), United Democratic Movement (UDM), GOOD, Pan African Congress (PAC), Patriotic Alliance (PA), ActionSA, Build One South Africa (BOSA), and Rise Mzansi.
Voters across the country expressed their determination to exercise their right to vote and hoped that their choices would lead to much-needed change in the country.
Voting stations were not very busy and were peaceful and calm. However, party representation was not dominant, as most of the stations had representation from only the ANC and the MK Party, with just a few with the Democratic Alliance, EFF, Rise Mzansi and Patriotic Alliance.
In the early morning hours of the day, a few voters stood in queues awaiting their turn to make their marks, however, the youth was not well represented. Despite the drama of ballot papers being found at the home of a prominent ANC member a few days before the elections, the mood was peaceful in most areas including Chesterville.
One resident, Lindani Mgobozi, voting at the Baptist Church said it was his seventh time voting, but it was the first time he voted for a different party. “I do believe that there will be change if we all vote right. Our current government has failed us. I hope that the party I voted for wins and brings the needed change.”
Thoko Nala, 79, said she was grateful for the opportunity to vote at her age. “I hope that my vote will contribute to the change that is needed in our country, especially for the future of our grandchildren.”
Some voters were turned away and could not vote because they had failed to update their residential addresses. They said that they were not aware that it was compulsory to vote where they were previously registered, especially for such an important election. They left the polls feeling disappointed.
At the Spearman Primary School voting stations, voters stood patiently, checking their names on the voters list outside the venue before making their way to the polls.
The party agents made sure that their members got their chance to vote.
Another voter, Balda Slater said that she hopes that after these elections, the winning party will listen to the people.
The Ridge Park School was one of the well-organised voting stations Springfield Weekly Gazette visited, with queues moving swiftly.
Another voter Esme Rubin, said she looks forward to ‘Big Change’ and a peaceful election. “I hope that this time people voted right and it will all show in the votes,” she said.
