Elections: think before you make your mark, for everyone’s sake

IN A days, voting would have been behind us. The consequences of how we voted or why we did not vote, however, will linger for five long years.

Promises made will evaporate and the radicalism guaranteed to materialise will become snagged in the reality of a stalled economy continuing to lack momentum. Lack of money will deflate every radical ambition.

The closed list PR system produces a mirage in most instances. For starters, most voters will see one face to vote for but will have no clue who some of the premiers are going to be. In the ANC’s case, no one can predict with certainty how long Cyril Ramaphosa, if re-elected as president, is going to remain holding the reins of power.

Those in the ANC who are implicated in state capture will work swiftly to remove him and thereby prevent investigation, arrest, prosecution and judgment leading to jail time. The stakes are huge for the ANC and they will take its focus away from the economy and pressing social issues.

It is in the interest of every voter to vote tactically to ensure a political outcome that balances competing forces and energises those in the government to act in haste within the constraints of rapidly diminishing resources.

Society will bear the consequences of your vote. Think about what you want to achieve for the broader good of South Africa rather than what you want for yourself when you make that fateful cross or decide not to. FAROUK CASSIM Cope Century View