Pretoria - The Electoral Commission’s zeal to recruit first-time voters to register and participate in elections is critical for the long-term sustainability of democracy.
This is why the commission (IEC) has partnered with the Department of Basic Education to launch the 2016 Schools Democracy Week (SDW), which will run until 30 April across the nation.
“Research shows that voting at an early age often results in those voters becoming regular participants in electoral democracy, so encouraging first-time voters is critical for the long-term sustainability of democracy,” said the commission on Tuesday.
The SDW initiative raises learners’ awareness of democracy, electoral processes and participation in electoral democracy as a fundamental human right and civic duty.
“This year’s initiative takes place during the 20th anniversary of the adoption of our Constitution, which grants citizens the right [to vote] among a variety of political rights. It also comes just months ahead of the 2016 Municipal Elections, so the focus of this year’s campaign will also explain the role of local government,” said the commission.
Learners will participate in activities such as debates, presentations, mock elections, role play, voter registration, interactive sessions, lectures and formal lessons during this week.
A digital game for mobile phones and tablets (called IXSA), in which players register and then vote in elections, is also available for free download from App stores. This game allows players to test their election process knowledge and to post their scores and challenge their friends to beat their score via social media.
Material also available in Braille
Basic Education Deputy Minister Enver Surty said he is encouraged that the commission has taken it upon itself to have a Braille translation of the material they give to learners.
“Inclusivity is certainly the cornerstone of our democracy. Democracy and citizenship education is a core section of our Life Orientation curriculum. I hope [learners] will take some time to familiarise themselves with the material and participate in the activities during School Democracy Week.
“I urge [educators] to integrate the content of the material into the normal delivery of the curriculum in the classroom,” said Deputy Minister Surty.
Chance for learners to register to vote
The initiative will also provide an opportunity for pupils aged 16 and older to register and for those who will be 18 by Election Day on 3 August 2016 to vote in the Municipal Elections.
One of the greatest challenges for the Electoral Commission is to get the youth to register and vote. The largest proportion of unregistered voters is found among the youngest age group of 16 to19 years.
According to the 2015 Voter Participation Survey (VPS), very few South Africans (15 percent) are aware that they can register to vote from the age of 16.
The IEC’s Deputy Electoral Officer for Outreach, Dr Nomsa Masuku, said the pending Municipal Elections provide a great sense of urgency and relevance and since the voters’ roll has not yet closed.
“Schools Democracy Week provides a last opportunity for young eligible voters to register and vote and make their voices heard in the future of their local communities,” said Masuku.
SABC Education is also supporting the campaign to promote the concept of freedom of choice and to create awareness for registration and voting for the municipal elections.
Follow the movement on social media
The 2016 Schools Democracy Week will again be supported by a social media and web campaign, which started on 22 April. It’s also hosted on the IEC’s website: www.elections.org.za, Facebook and Twitter pages.
The hashtags for the campaign are #SchoolsDemocracyWeek2016 and #2016MunicipalElections.
“Education booklets produced for Schools Democracy Week will again be provided in Braille and audio so that they are accessible to visually-impaired pupils,” said the commission.
For more details on the Schools Democracy Week programme and materials, the public is urged to visit the IEC website at www.elections.org.za or the Department of Basic Education’s website at http://www.education.gov.za/. - SAnews.gov.za
