The Post

Voting requires careful introspection

H. HIRALAL Chairperson of the Moorton Community Development Forum

THE date for the local government elections has been announced. Registrations for the election will take place from September 18 to 19 and every eligible person should make it their responsibility to register.

The local government elections are the only elections where you, as an ordinary citizen, are afforded an opportunity, in part, to vote directly for a candidate (councillor) of your choice and a political party of your choice. Remember though, that the party has the right, without your consent, to also appoint a candidate to represent you in local affairs.

That councillor appointed by the party is called a PR (proportional representative) councillor. The latter, is not true democracy in the classical sense – it is democracy by proxy.

Voting in the next local government elections requires careful introspection and intelligence. One casts a vote with the express intention of wanting to make a meaningful difference to society.

South Africa is fast becoming a failed state and, by not casting a deliberate vote, you will be aiding this demise. It is therefore important to vote with your conscience and make an intelligent choice.

Candidates are elected for five years. This means that voters will have to deal with them for the next five years. It is vital that the candidate is properly vetted; comes from within the community they serve; understands the same and is fit for that role. The time has come for us, as voters, to act as responsible citizens by questioning the parties or the candidates standing for elections.

Being a voting citizen comes with a responsibility, the gravitas of which has many repercussions for the next five years. Experience has repeatedly shown how inadequate some of the councillors are. A voter forfeits their right to complain if they do not register and don’t choose candidates (and parties) wisely. Remember, if you want to see change, do something about it – and the only way is for you to cast your vote. Think of the future of this country and that of your children and/ or grandchildren.

Mahatma Gandhi said: “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” This is true when it comes to our elections as well.

The Moorton Community Development Forum encourages everyone to register to vote. Your choice of a candidate and party is entirely up to you, but do not fail to at least register to make a change.

OPINION

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2021-09-15T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-15T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thepostza.pressreader.com/article/281857236664476

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