Why is south africas election, which was described by international observers as free and fair(like the previous 3), seen by some as the collapse of south africa into just another african country? Surely this is the exact opposite of what happens in most african countries?(ask zim)
Because no party should be allowed the temptation of having so much power to do as they please, afterall absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Modern democracy is perceived to be a two-party state with a possible minority party or independents to sway the vote.
The system we have in South Africa is very wrong for many reasons:
- Firstly their is a single party with too much power which removes all accountability and allows that party to do what they will without so much as a thought for the will of the people.
- Secondly South Africa, unlike many modern democracies, does not elect representatives of themselves to Parliament (something the US Congress does do) and this means that MPs do not know their voters or the people they represent. Had this been the case then MPs are free to vote their conscience; which means they fear not being removed by the ruling party (in this instance the ANC) and can better represent their particular voting district or constituency.
As it stands if you do not vote along party lines you are suspended and your seat given to someone else. However, in a truly representative democracy the only way to be re-elected to Parliament is by your voters - treat them right and you have a seat for life.
Had the above been true in South Africa then a 2/3 majority is not as frightening as it seems because not all the ANC MPs would necessarily vote the way the ANC dictates.
- Finally, our electorate is highly uneducated (in matters of politics) and merely vote for a particular party on the basis of some almost historical right and legacy, which no longer exists. Proper education would give them the choice to place a representative in power who will fight for their rights, and also hold accountable anyone who does not.
In conclusion,
a change to the constitution is indeed required, but this should be the collective decision of several parties and not the dictated beliefs of a single party; a single party claiming to represent the people who elected them, when in reality they are so far removed in their "ivory towers" they have little understanding the suffering and needs of a vast majority of this country.
FIN