The upcoming local elections are raising burning questions
By Ragheema Mclean
Will we vote in October?
Will the elections be safe?
Will the elections to be free and fair during a pandemic?
What measures will be put in place to maintain Covid-19 regulations?
These a just a few examples of questions and concerns that have been circulating in the media over the past few months with regards to the upcoming local elections.
The pandemic has thrown many curve balls and challenges our way and with the local elections around the corner, IEC officials are concerned that because of these challenges we will not be unable to conduct a fair and free election in October.
The concerns have resulted in the IEC pleading to the Constitutional Court for a delay in the local government elections. The Electoral Commission has asked for the elections to be delayed from October to February 2022. However, in the constitution it states that any elections that are being delayed have to take place within 90 days of the initial election date. The government has revealed that they are willing to assist the IEC but evidently, they will accept what the court says. Numerous political parties and NGOs are arguing against any delays on the grounds that our current local government is flawed and has to be fixed with immediate effect.
Many argue that even under circumstances brought by the pandemic that elections can still be manageable. Some strategies that were voiced include, extending the voting period over two or more days, proper systems and plans will be put in place in order to follow the covid-19 guidelines and also methods to solve all the possible risks.
There are many examples that put emphasis on the importance of the upcoming elections and whether we can afford to postpone it is highly questionable. We need change now more than ever.
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