Last week, South Africans cast their votes in a Pivotal election, marking a significant challenge to the ruling African National Congress (ANC). This election, which saw the election of National Assembly and Provincial legislative representatives, was a crucial test for the ANC, which has held power in South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994.
The President in South Africa is chosen by the National Assembly, and in previous elections, the ANC had a relatively straightforward path to selecting the President due to its parliamentary majority. However, a combination of factors, including high unemployment, economic inequality, and rolling blackouts, led to a decline in support for the ANC. Notably, the emergence of Former President Jacob Zuma’s new political party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), dealt a significant blow to the ANC’s support base, particularly in Kwazulu Natal, the former President’s political stronghold.
The ANC’s inability to win a majority in parliament will necessitate a governing coalition with opposition parties for the first time. It will be interesting to see how negotiations for the coalition government develops and what compromises are agreed to make a coalition possible.
Diaspora Voting
One of the distinctive aspects of South Africa’s elections is the diaspora’s participation in voting for national elections. This practice, which is not common across the continent, is supported by a constitutional framework in South Africa. However, mechanisms for enabling citizens abroad to vote in domestic elections are still being established in some countries.
According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), over 78,000 citizens were registered to vote in the May 2024 elections in 111 South African missions worldwide. The mission in London had the largest number of registered voters, with over 24,000.
As the African continent continues to evolve politically and economically, the question of diaspora involvement in national elections has gained significant traction. With millions of Africans living abroad, the inclusion of the diaspora in the electoral process is seen by many as a necessary step towards a more inclusive and representative democracy.
Implementing diaspora voting on a large scale will come with significant logistical challenges, but technology offers promising solutions. Online voting platforms, blockchain technology for secure and transparent vote counting, and mobile voting applications are all potential tools to facilitate diaspora participation.
Including African diasporas in the electoral process represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and democratic society. While there are undeniable benefits, such as increased political engagement and the infusion of new ideas, substantial challenges and opposition also need to be addressed. The role of technology in facilitating this process is crucial, but African countries must implement this with careful consideration of security and logistical issues. As African countries continue to develop and modernize, finding a balanced approach to diaspora voting will be vital to harnessing the full potential of their global citizens.