By BAKANG MOKOTO
Millions of South Africans will be going out on 29 May 2024 to cast their votes in various voting stations across the country. However, sometimes violence erupts in some voting stations due to intolerance between political parties.
However, the police in Northern Cape said they are well prepared to deal with any violent situation. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the police will be out in full force to ensure that the General National Elections (GNE) will be safe and secure for all citizens.
Ehlers said to ensure personal safety during the elections period and beyond, they will implement precautionary measures that need to be adhered to. She said no intimidation, threats and incitement of violence in any form, including on digital platforms will be allowed.
“Sharing false information, rumours, or threats online or in person is discouraged. Under the Cyber Crimes Act, Act 19 of 2020, individuals who use social media and digital platforms to send threatening or inflammatory messages, incite violence, or cause harm to others, may be criminally charged.
“Offenders may face charges of intimidation and incitement of violence. Any person who threatens to destroy property belonging to a group or person will be guilty of a criminal offence. People found guilty of contravening the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, Act 18 of 2015, will be convicted, fined or may be sentenced to imprisonment,” she said.
Ehlers further said any person who tampers with, damages and destroys essential infrastructure is guilty of contravening the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, Act 18 of 2015. She added that those found guilty will be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years imprisonment or fined.
“The police will act upon the unauthorised removal or concealment of any voting or election material. Unauthorised damage or destroying any voting or election material, defacing or unlawfully removing any billboard, placards or poster published by a registered party or candidate.
“Incidents of this nature are deemed an Electoral Offence in terms of the Electoral Act, Act 73 of 1998. Offenders will be subject to a fine or 10 years imprisonment,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said: “Some of the Bill of Rights in South Africa’s pioneering constitution grants all citizens aged 18 and older the right to vote, but the question often asked is whether voting will really make a difference. Of course it does.
“Voting gives you an opportunity to be part of decision-making that affects your life and the future of our country. If you don’t vote, others will make the decisions for you. History shows that democracies in danger of losing their freedom register frighteningly low voter turnouts.”
IEC said in thriving democracies, people vote in large numbers and the people’s voice remains supreme. It said people should vote because they can.
“You may take your right to vote and all other rights in our constitution for granted, but 30 years ago most of the people in our country were not allowed to vote. Many of them were arrested and jailed for demanding this most basic human right. Others were tortured and killed. Because of their sacrifice, today you can vote simply by presenting yourself at a voting station with your ID during a registration event that puts you on the voters’ roll for life, and lets you vote in every future general and by-election in your area.
“Elections have consequences and you have the power to decide on the quality of life you want for yourself and your community, and even future generations. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about. This is your life – take the time to help decide what’s best,”
It said voting rather than just venting on social media or protesting is the best way to make your voice heard and make a positive input on the issues that concern you. Not voting is giving up your voice.
“Elections are decided by the people who go out and vote. If you don’t vote, someone else will make the decision for you. If you don’t vote you get stuck with other people’s choices – and you can’t even complain about it because you let it happen.
TaungDailyNews 