I’m confused! New electoral system, so many parties, how do I vote this election?

Written by: Errol Naidoo
Article source: familypolicyinstitute.com

The question I am most frequently asked is, “who must I vote for? The country is in a desperate state and there are so many political parties contesting the General Elections, I am struggling to make a wise choice – being fully aware of the consequences of my vote.”

I fully empathize with this dilemma. There is much at stake for South Africa in the General Elections on 29 May. However, although I cannot tell you who to vote for, I can provide factual data to help inform your choice. Voters have the power to effect change in SA.

Most political parties have published Manifestos outlining their policy stance on key issues. It also provides insight into their political ideology. However, you and I must not only rely on what political parties tell us – but more importantly, what they are NOT telling us.

For example, the country has experienced zero loadshedding over the past month. In the months prior to April, the nation suffered blackouts of up to 6 – 8 hours a day wreaking havoc with normal social and business life. How did we suddenly achieve zero blackouts?

The only reasonable conclusion is that it’s an Election year and the ANC regime plans to deceive the electorate they are on top of things. But if the government can keep the lights on prior to an Election, why can’t it do so at any other time to revive the ailing economy?

This proves the ANC “governs” in its own best interest – not the people of SA. Remember, President Cyril Ramaphosa promised a “New Dawn” and an end to corruption in 2018. However, corruption escalated alarmingly during Ramaphosa’s failed presidency.

Ramaphosa ignored the Zondo Commission recommendations. Most of the ANC officials implicated in serious corruption are not only secure in high-paying government jobs but feature prominently on the ANC candidates lists for provincial legislatures and Parliament.

When one considers the utter devastation caused by ANC corruption and incompetence, then not one citizen should vote for this criminal enterprise. The Manifestos of the EFF and MK parties reads like a blueprint for political and economic disaster. It will transform South Africa into Venezuela or Cuba. One can only rationally describe it as national suicide.

As a result, voters, especially Christian voters are left with the choice of voting for political parties or independent candidates that best reflect their values. The following Voters Guide is a helpful illustration of the policy positions of some larger and smaller parties. We must vote strategically to obtain the best outcomes. Conservative leaning parties are an option.

For example, the DA governs efficiently but its woke ideology is a major concern. The Western Cape is reputedly the best governed province, but the DA is also implementing Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity policies in Western Cape schools to indoctrinate innocent children with LGBTQ and gender-identity propaganda. This must not be tolerated.

Consequently, if the DA wins less than 50 percent of the vote in the Western Cape and has to form a governing coalition with a more conservative party, then its woke policies will be curbed by its coalition partner. Thus, we get efficient governance minus the woke insanity.

This scenario is also possible on a national level. Polls indicate ANC support will decline to about 40 percent. Christian citizens must fervently pray that God will intervene in His mercy and grace and confound the wicked so that SA will have a coalition government of national unity after 29 May – that excludes the destructive ANC, EFF and MK parties.

This means we must encourage everybody within our influence to vote for non-corrupt, competent, conservative parties. If these parties find themselves in a governing coalition of national unity, they can restrain the liberal parties from advancing harmful ideologies.

This General Election will be different. For the first time we will receive 3 ballot papers at the Polls. First is the national ballot, which contains a list of the 52 political parties contesting 200 seats in the National Assembly. This ballot is consistent across the nation.

Second is the regional ballot, which is to vote for political parties and independent candidates contesting the 200 seats (reserved for provinces) in the National Assembly.
Unlike the first national ballot, this ballot includes only the independent candidates and political parties that are contesting a particular region (eg: Gauteng, Western Cape etc).

Third is the provincial ballot, which is unique to each province. Voters will use this ballot to elect political parties and independent candidates to serve in their provincial legislature. You could vote for different parties on the national and provincial ballots strategically.

Parties appear in alphabetical order on ballot papers. However, this will change after the “ballot draw” to determine the final order of parties on the ballot papers on Election Day.

I hope this all makes sense. Every registered voter must vote on Election Day. And must vote wisely for the good of the nation. We must pray fervently for a peaceful and favourable outcome to this Election. But whatever the results, God remains sovereign and in control.

Standing
Errol Naidoo

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Date published: 07/05/2024
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork adapted from www.freepik.com

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