Put voters first
ARUNNING theme of The Mercury’s preand post-local government elections narrative has been that the responsibility to democracy of ratepayers and citizens does not end with them casting their votes. It is not a fiveyear intervals exercise, but an everyday practice.
It is in this spirit that we repeat the call to voters and supporters of political parties that will be involved in talks to set up coalition governments in various cities and towns.
It is not unheard of for politicians to grandstand and seek to score political points, even if this is at the cost of the electorate. We have no evidence that this is the case at present, and we therefore do not suggest that it is.
Voters and party members must ensure that they remind their leaders that elections are about the electorate, not the elected.
All decisions must be seen to be in furtherance of the best interests of the people who voted, and not just for the party leadership.
This must inform the decisions parties make when opting for coalition partners. No municipality in South Africa should have the luxury of entertaining political egos at the expense of the people who live in that area.
If it means going into a coalition with one party in one municipality and joining up with a different one in another, so be it, if this is what a party sincerely believes will serve the electorate and ratepayers.
We urge all parties involved in negotiations to resolve the impasse created by the absence of an outright winner in a particular locality to rise above petty politicking and put the interests of the people first. We know this is easier said than done, given the long-standing issues between some parties.
That is why we call on those who voted to lean on their party leaders and ensure they make the right choices.
By “right choice”, we mean any choice that will put the municipality on a growth path, meet the challenges of that locality, and bring hope to those who have lost it.
That is ultimately what the voters ask of their public representatives.