A widespread campaign by South Africans at home and abroad to let all registered voters in possession of a valid ID book vote in the upcoming election, whether based in South Africa or abroad, has led to some definite action in the High and Constitutional Courts.
The South African constitution gives every citizen an equal opportunity to vote. The 1994 elections afforded its citizens the right to vote from abroad. However, 5 years later that right was revoked and now, the decision is once again being challenged. Between the Democratic Alliance and ex-president FW de Klerk the matter has been taken up with fervour and is currently in deliberation by the Constitutional Court.
If the outcome allows for remote voting by ex-pat South Africans, then the proclaimed election date of 22 April might be moved. University of the Western Cape law professor Pierre de Vos said there are provisions in the Electoral Act for a postponement of the election if the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is "not ready" to proceed with the poll. However, at present that is the date listed for South Africans to go to the polls. Any South African’s who will be out of the country on holiday, on a business trip or educational visit, attending a tertiary institution, or participating in an international sporting event should check if the will be eligible to apply for the special vote (http://contributetochangeglobal.wordpress.com/2009/02/13/how-to-apply-for-a-special-vote-2/). The cut off date for the special vote application is 27 February.
Opinion
Voting Abroad
By: Jessica Farley
In the past few months, thousands of people have been debating the subject of whether South Africans living abroad deserve the right to vote. South Africa is a democracy. A democracy, by definition, means freedom, choice and an individual’s right to breathe. South Africans living abroad are afforded the right to see the rest of the world and experience different cultures because South Africa is a democratic and free country. The borders are not prison walls and the flight overseas does not sever the ties of patriotism. We are afforded the right to travel, the right to live in different places and the right to return to our country of birth with the life experience that reaffirms the fact that South Africa is a country worth fighting for.
A remote interest in the country is something that should be encouraged, and not actively destroyed in a move that can smell very badly of sour grapes. In an ever shrinking world of blurred lines and information super highways, an active interest across oceans needs to be cultivated. Those life lessons being learned by ex-pats abroad are the very things we want them to bring home to add to the vibrant, rich tapestry that is the life in South Africa that we want to preserve and improve upon.
Voting Abroad
By: Jessica Farley
In the past few months, thousands of people have been debating the subject of whether South Africans living abroad deserve the right to vote. South Africa is a democracy. A democracy, by definition, means freedom, choice and an individual’s right to breathe. South Africans living abroad are afforded the right to see the rest of the world and experience different cultures because South Africa is a democratic and free country. The borders are not prison walls and the flight overseas does not sever the ties of patriotism. We are afforded the right to travel, the right to live in different places and the right to return to our country of birth with the life experience that reaffirms the fact that South Africa is a country worth fighting for.
A remote interest in the country is something that should be encouraged, and not actively destroyed in a move that can smell very badly of sour grapes. In an ever shrinking world of blurred lines and information super highways, an active interest across oceans needs to be cultivated. Those life lessons being learned by ex-pats abroad are the very things we want them to bring home to add to the vibrant, rich tapestry that is the life in South Africa that we want to preserve and improve upon.
2 comments:
Its really great that South Africans abroad may be afforded the right to vote, but surely our government could negate any court ruling by stating that one will still need to register in South Africa!!
Obviously no-one knows the numbers, but I would think many of us abroad have never registerd to vote. Is there a possibility that we would be able to register abroad? (If we are truley to afford everyone the right, surely they would make provision for registration abroad?)
I'm really glad that this issue has finally been brought before the courts for a decision, and lets hope the next elections adds another GREAT page to South Africa's history books.
You're right Woody and that's probably exactly what will happen, registration will have to take place in South Africa. However, even with those registered already that already dramatically improves the number of ex-pats that can vote and having that right cemented will also mean a springboard to help us up to the next phase, being able to register abroad. It's all about baby steps unfortunately, but the process has started, which is a definite improvement.
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