The question of voting has been a contentious issue on many people’s minds just as the elections are around the corner.
According to the latest survey by research Ipsos, Gauteng and Northern Cape will be heavily contested between the ANC and DA. The survey found that ANC polling was at 45 percent in Gauteng, DA support was at 24.9 percent and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at 7.3 percent in the province.
“I’m registered to vote, ready to go, but at the same time there is a lot of negativity out there, generally it’s all we hear about,” said Adam Lax of Newlands. “There should be some positivity too. I’m a firm believer in revolution and I believe in this country and it’s going to happen.”
“[The atmosphere of the upcoming elections is] negative and I know there will be corruption in it,” agreed Mike Coetzee, another resident of Newlands. “I’d like to see an improvement in healthcare, crime and be done away with affirmative action.”
According to the Independent Electoral Committee, just over 24 million South Africans have registered to vote. With political newcomers Agang SA and EFF contesting for the first time, the electorate has more to choose from.
“To be honest, they are too young to say,” said Lax in reference to what he thought of the recently launched parties, “there will have to be major changes to make people switch sides.”
Coetzee agreed, “the ANC has the majority of people to vote for them. There are [just] too many parties actually popping up now.”
The 2014 national elections are expected to take place on 7 May.
“The children are the future, but what future is there for them? People must vote to make a better future for the children,” concluded Hennie Ralph, fellow resident.
