News
Written By: Elizabeth Adundo- Yogo
CEO- ODM Women League, Kenya
The Africa Liberal Network (ALN), in collaboration with the Danish Liberal Democracy Program (DLDP), The Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), and the Democratic Alliance (DA) Party, organized a week-long election observation mission in South Africa for Liberal Democrat institutions from around the world.
The mission included representatives from Burkina Faso, Denmark, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Sweden, DRC, Zambia, Gambia, Morocco, Malawi, Germany, Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
On May 29th, South Africa held its 2024 national and provincial elections, marking a critical crossroads for the nation. Amid rising voter discontent, shifting political alliances, and the historic inclusion of independent candidates, the current landscape of uncertainty and desire for change echoes the pivotal 1994 elections. This election represents a crucial opportunity for South Africans to shape their country’s future once again.
This is the country’s seventh democratic general election since the end of apartheid in 1994, when Nelson Mandela was elected president and the ANC secured 62.5% of the 400 seats in the National Assembly.
How does the South Africa election work?
South Africa employs a proportional voting system where parties and candidates compete for 400 seats in the National Assembly. For the first time, independent candidates are participating in the elections,
requiring voters to use three ballots instead of two, each with a choice of one party or candidate.
Two ballots are for electing the National Assembly, and the third is for electing members of the provincial legislature in each of South Africa’s nine provinces. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) cleared 14,889 candidates, including 70 political parties and 11 independents, to contest 887 seats in the May vote.
South Africans face another pivotal moment three decades after the landmark 1994 elections. The uncertainty and apprehension surrounding the potential outcome and consequences of the 2024 elections mirror the feelings experienced by the nation on April 27, 1994. Notably, over a third (35%) of registered voters express that “no political party truly represents their views,” highlighting the complex political landscape and the yearning for change.
A First-Time Observer’s Perspective
As a first-time election observer, this experience was enlightening on many levels. Prior to the elections, we received briefings from election specialists, gaining a deeper understanding of South Africa’s unique electoral system. We also attended the DA’s final rally at Benoni Stadium, witnessing the energy and enthusiasm of its supporters. The event offered a glimpse into the effort required to mobilize voters.
Given the significance of these elections for South Africa’s future, we were fortunate to meet with key contenders, learning about their journeys and visions for a new South Africa.
Election Day Observations
On election day, our 20-person team split into three groups, each visiting at least three polling stations in Gauteng Province. Despite technological issues causing delays in opening some stations, the process ran
One striking difference from my home country, Kenya, was the presence of political party branding and merchandise outside polling centers. In Kenya, no branded materials are allowed near the polling stations. Another notable difference was the voting hours: 7 am to 9 pm in South Africa compared to 6 am to 6 pm in Kenya.
Just like the passionate young DA members we met, the hundreds of young people we encountered in the long queues expressed a desire for change. This shared aspiration underscores the importance of these elections for shaping South Africa’s future.
As the world awaits the results, the question remains: will the desire for change translate into concrete action?
The writer is part of the ALN, DA, DLDP, and Friedrich Naumann Foundation as part of the elections observer study tour.