#IMadeMyMark Elections 2019: South Africans take to the polls TODAY
Political analyst shares his prediction for Elections 2019, smaller parties and the Big 3
Voters across South Africa are taking to the polls today to make their mark.
Also read: A FREE AND FAIR ELECTION
To gain further insight, and a political analysis of South Africa’s sixth free and fair election, the NEWS spoke to the University of Johannesburg’s associate professor, Professor Mcebisi Ndletyana, of in the Pan African Institute.
Ndletyana said the emergence of smaller political parties in this year’s elections represents the largest number of political parties striving for electoral support since 1994.
Also read: #IMadeMyMark: WATCH: ‘Why I’m voting’ featuring Edenvale High School learners
He said the build-up to election day was not notably different to previous elections.
Some of the few differences Ndletyana identified include the change of the governing party’s leadership, with President Cyril Ramaphosa at the helm after former president Jacob Zuma lost favour with the ANC, and was forced to resign nearly two years ago.
“With the change in leadership there has been a shift in the ruling party’s focus with it paying more attention to improving service delivery and fighting corruption,” said Ndletyana.
The second difference, noted Ndletyana, was the rise to political prominence of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Also read: #IMadeMyMark: Edenvale businessman shares his May 8 hopes
“The support for the EFF has grown which has taken support away from the ANC.”
Ndletyana said there was a probability that the EFF would gain more support at this year’s elections.
“I can’t really speculate about the outcome of the election results besides what I have seen on surveys doing the rounds in national media.”
In Ndletyana’s opinion, the ANC could receive between 60 to 65 per cent of the votes, with the DA receiving anywhere between 15 to 20 per cent and the EFF 10 per cent.
“This could change depending on the information voters are exposed to and consume.”
Ndletyana said the country’s future is dependent on the outcome of the elections.
“If the ANC receives the majority of the votes, the citizens can expect things to largely remain the same and continue as normal.
Also read: #IMadeMyMark: WATCH: ‘Why I’m voting’ featuring Edenvale High School learners
“If they do not get the majority vote, then the ANC might be forced to form a coalition which will see the party forced to compromise and work together with another party.”
When asked if there was a growing trend of registered voters not to exercise their democratic right to vote, Ndletyana disagreed.
Also read: #IMadeMyMark: Edenvale businessman shares his May 8 hopes
“During the 2016 municipal elections, voters predominantly in township areas came out to vote.
“As of yet, there has been no indication that South Africa will not take the opportunity to vote in these elections.”
For more news and interesting articles, like Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS on Facebook or follow us on Twitter
