The former chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission Brigalia Bam says South Africans are looking for a different electoral system in which a new way of accountability can be built.
Bam, who is a social activist and writer, says the system should determine whether someone should be accountable to a party or the nation.
She says: “There has to be a system that gives time, that if people are not performing, you don’t have to wait for five years. Why wait for five years, what is the magic of five years if your are not able to provide people with the money that you have been given for the budget to get the people water and you have information that says to you that money has not been used properly. Why then do we wait for another five years? Why don’t we get rid of you?
Encouraging the youth to vote as South Africa heads to the polls on Wednesday, Bam said they should not miss this great gift: “Never miss this great gift of democracy, a great gift that during our own life-time, those of my generation are able to be recognised as human beings.
“Elections are key, it’s elections for oneself. It’s an election that gives you an opportunity as a citizen to participate. After you’ve participated then you have a right to challenge your government,” says Bam.
