SAHRC calls for safe and fair elections

8 May 2024

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or the Commission) joins the world, continent, and nation in marking the occasion of South Africa’s seventh democratic elections. For South Africa, the right to vote has a profound historical context. Just thirty years ago, most South African citizens were denied the right to vote, and those who demanded to exercise this right were often imprisoned or even killed.

By exercising the right to vote, therefore, we recognise the injustices of our past, and honour those who suffered for justice and freedom. Voting is a direct way through which we are collectively able to decide on the quality of life we want for ourselves and the future of this country through our publicly elected representatives.

The Commission, therefore, urges everyone eligible, to exercise and enjoy their right to vote. This hard-won democracy can only thrive through public participation in the democratization process. Equally, exercising the right to vote means that the elected public representatives must be held accountable for the promises made through elections manifestos to improve the lives of the people in South Africa. This applies to both opposition and majority parties at provincial and national levels.

Disturbingly, the Commission has received alerts of allegations of disturbances and threats of violence in some parts of the country. We urge everyone to contribute to ensuring that the elections are free from violence and any other wrongdoing. The Commission wishes to remind all South Africans that the enjoyment of safe and free elections is sacrosanct. The Commission therefore urges all South Africans to contribute to ensuring that the elections are free from violence and other harmful conduct.

In line with our mandate, the Commission will observe the election in support of democratisation and the work of the Independent Electoral Commission. More than 60 of the Commission’s personnel will embark on this crucial role as domestic elections observers. This role as an observer is significant as it helps to promote and protect the civil and political rights of participants before, during and after the elections.

In conclusion, the Commission is calling on all law-enforcement agencies and officials to act without fear and/or favour in ensuring that they serve and protect the voting process across the country. Finally, the Commission wishes all political parties, independent candidates and the country at large well as they participate in the elections.

Issued by Wisani Baloyi on behalf of SAHRC, 28 May 2024