South Africans in China voted – Enhancing voter participation is paramount

By Sibusiso R Bakana
 
Ambassador Siyabonga Cwele with embassy staff during voting

20 May 2024

We recently celebrated Freedom Day in Beijing as guests of Dr Siyabonga Cwele, Ambassador of South Africa to China, and there was an increase in participation from South African students, workers, and businesses based in China, where such gatherings are typically considered as diplomats' cocktail nights. The South African Ambassador undoubtedly adhered to this year's Freedom Day theme, "30 Years of Democracy, Partnership, and Growth," as the embassy collaborated with students, workers, and business during the inaugural session prior to the celebration, and much was discussed to ensure that all sectors felt at home away from home. 

To honor the unsung heroes and heroines who fought for our freedom and paved the road for a representative and equal society, on April 27, 1994, all citizens participated in national democratic elections. While abroad citizens usually vote before the appointed day. In China, we voted on May 18, 2024, despite the fact that China is so large and only three voting locations were used: Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong (SAR). The stations were open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Indeed, the blood of our forefathers nourished a healthier fruit and allowed us all to participate in our developing democracy away from home. 

As expats are from various provinces back home, we all cast our votes for the National ballot, but still wish to vote for our respective provinces and therefore hope the IEC will consider augmenting their mechanism regarding provincial ballots. As China consists of 32 provinces and missions and consular offices are located in only three big cities, it becomes a challenge for voters outside of the three cities to participate in the abroad elections. For instance, the Beijing embassy serves South African citizens that are based in Guangzhou and that distance is approximately 2000 km. Although casting your vote is a constitutional right, one becomes deprived of it because of the logistical challenges faced by the abroad eligible voters.

The IEC can collaborate or share notes with the Chinese Embassy in South Africa for instance, as they are responsible of issuing visas, and help the IEC in locating the concentration of South Africans and develop a mechanism on how to establish mobile voting stations where the South African embassy and consular offices are too far to be reached by the voters. Imagine a student who depends on a stipend and has to compromise his/her daily expenses to vote, or if such a student can compromise such resources, is found that the following day has to attend an important academic activity, while as a patriot wants to ring the bell and awaken the unsung heroes through this vote for a better future of his/her land. The IEC has to improve on supporting missions abroad for sufficient voter turnout.

The South Africans came in numbers to vote. The embassy staff were professional and while queues were not long, moved swiftly, and even waiting areas were established for relaxation after voting. South Africans were united and joyous as they shaped the next 5 years while away from home.

Sibusiso R Bakana- is the President of SASCA and the Representative of Diplomatic Society in China


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