Addressing The Nation - Letter From The President

South Africans Prepare to Hold Free and Fair Elections

By Fiona Wakelin

His Excellency President Ramaphosa penned a letter to the nation on 15 April which focused on the upcoming seventh general election to be held on 29 May 2024 and the freedoms that this upholds – such as freedom of the media and an independent Electoral Court that oversees the work of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the conduct of elections.

“As the country counts down to the election, the vibrant and robust campaigning that is taking place reflects how South Africa’s politics continues to evolve and mature. It is also a reflection of the many different views in our society and the variety of choices that voters have."

“In a democracy such as ours, we should not be worried about differences, even when sharply expressed. That is because the vast majority of South Africans value and respect the democratic process. They have faith in the rule of law and know that any disputes can be resolved through the courts and other legal avenues."

“Over the past 30 years we have held elections that are not only free and fair, but also peaceful and free of intimidation. Dire predictions of South Africa ‘regressing into violence’ or ‘democratic backsliding’ that regrettably remain a common feature of some reportage and analysis have been proven wrong time and again,” –H.E. Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa references the 2023 Electoral Integrity Global Report made up of expert assessments of electoral integrity in 169 countries around the world, which lists South Africa as ranking third highest on the continent when it comes to perceptions of electoral integrity. His Excellency is optimistic that, despite its many challenges, our democracy is in good health, with political and other forms of contestation in the run-up to this year’s polls taking place under the broad umbrella of a constitutional order characterised by fundamental freedoms and human rights.

“It is up to us all to ensure that this year’s election is a success in our ongoing journey of democratic consolidation. It is up to us all, whether as government, political parties, candidates, voters, the media or civil society organisations, to play our part by ensuring that our actions and words inspire faith in our democracy. We must continue to work together to ensure that nothing undermines the integrity of our elections."

“Above all, it is up to us all to ensure that this hard-won right to vote, for which so many sacrificed so much, is exercised by every eligible citizen in a climate free of intimidation and all forms of violence. Having proven the prophets of doom wrong time and again, let this year’s election be yet another affirmation of the strength of our constitutional order, our institutions and our democracy,"-President Ramaphosa.