National and Provincial Elections 2024 would come and go but, the decisions made through the ballot would impact lives for the next 5 or more years to come. When people vote, they amplify their voices and effectively participate in an important decision-making process. However, when people abscond voting for various reasons, they also make decisions silently as they would allow the few that would have voted to decide on their behalf.
In every election, voter and civic education are necessary to ensure that all constituents, men and women alike, understand their rights, their political system, the contests they are asked to decide, and how and where to vote. For an election to be successful and democratic, voters must understand their rights and responsibilities and must be sufficiently knowledgeable and well-informed to cast ballots that are legally valid and to participate meaningfully in the voting process.
Voter education assists citizens to make informed decisions, participate effectively, contribute fruitfully and build active citizenry within communities in a democratic society. VFP aims to reach as many people in Elim as possible through civic education in preparation for the forthcoming National elections 2024. The use of Study Circles, Literacy Training Workshops, Advocacy Campaigns, Dialogues, Community Indabas, Meetings and Social Media platforms, is going to aid in capacitating community members on the importance of voting, who is eligible to vote, how to register, the electoral processes and how to follow y votes after elections.
While the inclusion of the Electoral Commission (EC), would convey knowledge of the country’s electoral system, including the newly amended Electoral Bill, the Public Participation office, the Public Protector and Human rights commission would help grow a better understanding of the relationship between public participation and service delivery. What happens when people are dormant when it comes to issues that affect their lives, and when they become active citizens.
Sensitising community members on voter education makes them more knowledgeable and wiser in decision-making. Ensures the readiness, willingness and ability of voters in participating in electoral activities. It imparts basic voter information which enables every voter to arrive well-prepared at the correct voting station and on the dedicated day.
In conclusion, community members should be informed about voter registration procedures so that they have ample time to register. They should be told where and how to check their respective voters lists to ensure that their entries are correct. Voters should also be informed of the type of election to be held, the polling date and location, when the polling station would open and how to cast their votes.