President Ramaphosa Encourages South Africans To Support Democracy

President Cyril Ramaphosa urged everyone in the country including citizens, political parties, and civil society to cooperate and make sure this year's general election is a success.

In his weekly newsletter issued on Monday, the president said, "It is up to us all, whether as government, political parties, candidates, voters, the media or civil society organizations, to play our part by ensuring that our actions and words inspire faith in our democracy," SA News reported.

He added, "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."

The general elections will be held on May 29, which will elect a new National Assembly alongside the provincial legislature in each province. This election will mark the seventh election in the country since the end of the apartheid era in 1994.

Ramaphosa reminded South Africans that in this country, politicians can freely compete and the media can report without interference. He also mentioned that the courts are fair and impartial including the Electoral Court, which supervises the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and how elections are conducted.

The president noted that the country is close to the election period and the vibrant and robust campaigning that is taking place, reflects how the country'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," he said. "In a democracy such as ours, we should not be worried about differences, even when sharply expressed."

He added, "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."

Ramaphosa recalled in the last 30 years, South Africa has successfully held elections that are not only free and fair but also peaceful and free of intimidation.

In the wake of the upcoming 2024 National and Provincial Elections, the political parties and independent candidates earlier this month signed the Electoral Commission's Code of Conduct to show their commitment to upholding a fair and unbiased electoral process.