Address at the signing by political parties of South Africa's Electoral Code of Conduct

Remarks by Archbishop Thabo Makgoba on behalf of the Electoral Code of Conduct Observer Commission at Dulcie September Hall, Cape Town, on April 18, 2024:

Colleagues and Friends, 

It is no exaggeration to say that we in civil society must prepare ourselves for our biggest task as election observers and peace-makers since the elections which liberated our country. 

That is because the parties which have dominated politics for the past 30 years are facing the most heavily-contested elections since 1994. Incumbents will have to fight harder than ever before, possibly bringing out hidden sides of their parties we have not seen before, thus giving rise to the dirtiest elections we have seen so far.

Secondly, technical difficulties in the complexity of voting might generate frustrations, leading to cries and actions born of desperation. We could see Election Day and the days that follow turn ugly, with accusations of “institutional exclusion” flying about and followers of smaller parties crying foul. 

For the first time, our constitutional democracy runs the risk of the Independent Electoral Commission and the election process being robbed of their well-earned integrity. 

Against the backdrop of the things we must protect, there is a need in our society in the coming days to exercise tolerance, to strengthen our corporate integrity, and to focus our attention on and embrace the bigger picture. 

All of us must avoid trying to make short-term, expedient gains at the cost of long-term political security. 

Also, a culture of caring and capacitating the poor and giving agency to the marginalised is key. 

These concerns must be the cornerstones of any scenario in which parties have to form coalitions after the elections. 

The uprooting of poverty, the good of all the country's people and good and honest governance must underpin all coalitions.

May wisdom guide us and give us justice as we enter this election season.

Let us pray:

Lord God, as this critical day in the life of our democracy dawns,

We again give thanks for the sacrifices of those who over many generations fought for the right of all to vote,

We pray that all will perform this solemn civic duty with the dignity that honours the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, 

We pray that you will guide and protect all those responsible for ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections,

We pray that political leaders and representatives will act responsibly and with due reverence for the process,

We pray that those who come to vote will choose wisely in accordance with their aspirations and their consciences,

We pray for tolerance and respect among all,

And that once they have voted, all will accept the outcome of the elections and work together for the good of all South Africans and our environment.

Now may the peace of God which passes all understanding be and remain with us all, now and always.  Amen