A Call for Public Engagement: Media’s Role in Electoral Reform Ignored

electoral-reform

The Electoral Reform Consultation Panel (ERCP) has announced an extended deadline of October 31, 2024, for public submissions regarding proposed changes to the voting system for the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. This call for participation initially set a closing date of September 30, 2024. However, the urgency of this matter seems to have gone largely unnoticed, with only a few media outlets reporting on it, leaving citizens in the dark about this significant opportunity to influence their democracy.

On August 26, 2024, the government issued a statement inviting public participation in reforming the electoral system. Yet, given the prevailing apathy toward governmental initiatives, one would expect a concerted effort to promote such a crucial discussion. Instead, this call for submissions has received minimal attention, sparking concerns about the government’s communication strategy and transparency. While government outlets have covered the announcement, it appears that major media outlets failed to take on the watchdog role expected of them, neglecting to publicize the importance of this process effectively.

The Electoral Reform Consultation Panel is specifically seeking insights from citizens, organizations, political parties, and independent candidates about whether the current electoral system should be modified or entirely replaced. Advocate Richard Sizani, the chairperson of the ERCP, emphasized that this initiative is a part of the panel’s obligation to undertake a comprehensive public participation process.

The panel’s mandate, established under Section 23 of the Electoral Amendment Act of 2023, aims to evaluate and recommend potential reforms to the electoral system for the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. The panel, comprising diverse members from various sectors, must submit its recommendations by the end of May 2025, making public input during this phase critical.

However, the failure of various media outlets to promote this call for participation raises questions about their commitment to informing the public. Shouldn’t the media prioritize issues that affect citizens directly? Instead, it’s left to engaged individuals and organizations to step up and advocate for the public’s interest in this vital discourse.

Critics argue that the government’s lack of communication and transparency could lead to the all-too-familiar refrain: “We didn’t know about this.” The government might use its announcement as a fallback, claiming to have done its due diligence while conveniently ignoring the minimal outreach efforts that leave citizens uninformed.

As the October 31 deadline approaches, it’s imperative for South African citizens to seize this opportunity to contribute to the future of our electoral system. This process is not just about casting a vote; it’s about reshaping how we engage with our democracy. Let’s not wait for media outlets to remind us of our responsibility—let’s make our voices heard in this critical debate.

The closing date for written submissions regarding changes to how we vote for the National Assembly and provincial legislatures has been extended to October 31, 2024. Submissions can be made in one of three ways:

  • Delivered by hand to House 4, Ministry of Home Affairs, 909 Arcadia Street, Hatfield
  • Mailed to the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel, Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001
  • Emailed to ERCP@dha.gov.za
error: Content is protected !!