EDITOR – I want to take my hat off to those who celebrated their democracy at the Local Elections.
Even before election day on August 3, behind-the-scenes work by the IEC, local councillors, party volunteers and the media proceeded tirelessly.
Adjusted ward boundaries were agreed upon, voters registered for their allocated voting stations, special votes and home visits logged, candidates confirmed, voter rolls drawn up, ballot papers printed and voters canvased.
IEC staff, party agents and the police worked through August 1 and on the special voting day, at voting stations, individual homes, retirement centres and hospitals.
Those same workers/volunteers prepared voting stations for the 7am opening on Election Day (no public holiday for them).
Voters were politely and, in most cases, seamlessly passed through the voting procedure, to emerge triumphantly with an inked thumbnail – and a respected and warm feeling that they had fulfilled their civic duty.
“Election Friends and Neighbours” had been re-united in relatively short queues and chatting continued after voting.
After the 7pm closing and fuelled by adrenaline alone, the reconciliation/counting of votes followed.
Eventually, often in the small hours of the morning, results were achieved and signed off and escorted by the police to IEC collection points.
As a party agent I strictly played an observer role; I was impressed by the efficient, fair and respectful staff and official “cogs” of the IEC “machine”.
Contrary to popular belief, the agents of all parties, large and small, also co-operated famously and warmly.
The integrity and respect for every individual, secret ballot was paramount.
Congratulations to all, and in particular to the voters – you came out in numbers.
Those who did not, purely because of indifference, you missed being part of your democratic inheritance and maybe the chance to “chirp” in future conversations.
PARTY AGENT
ANDY STEVENSON
HIGHWAY GARDENS.
