Our constitutional democracy must always be protected

The following speech was delivered by DA Mayoral Candidate for Johannesburg, Cllr Mpho Phalatse at today’s signing of the IEC’s Code of Conduct for candidates contesting in this year’s local government elections.

Today I have the honour of signing a very important document as part of my candidacy to be the next Mayor of Johannesburg. Just like any public representative currently in government, candidates for office are also expected to hold themselves accountable by abiding by a code of conduct for an election within our multiparty democracy to be fair. Without such binding rules and guidelines, elections within our democracy run the risk of getting out of hand, compromising the values held by our Constitution.

As we know, election times in our fragile but resilient country can be challenging for all. While political parties and their candidates are spending hours on end campaigning across the country, speaking to voters on what their parties have to offer, voters also endure an exhausting period, with many still undecided or unconvinced for whom to vote. It is understandably a hard choice for many. Voters have been let down, and often when that trust is broken, it can be profoundly challenging to build again.

But what I want to say to all of those who still may be unsure of what they will be doing on November 1st, remember this; we still have a constitutional democracy worth protecting. While many institutions designed to protect that democracy have been severely tested in the past 27 years, we are still standing here today, a democracy challenged, but still a democracy, nonetheless. The mere fact that these elections are going ahead, despite attempts to postpone them, demonstrate that something is still working in our country. That our Constitution is still holding the line.

My message today is for those who might feel lost. Abandoned. Fearful.

Do not be.

We have come so far, and these elections can still be the moment when the people; the voters; the citizens who have the real power can once again protect our democracy by using their vote to hold their fellow citizens in government to account. Remove those public representatives from office who have not performed and vote in those candidates who are genuine in their commitment to improve service delivery for all.

Do not allow yourself to skip this November election, and regret it come January, when services are not delivered. Every vote makes a difference.

Spend the next few weeks, reflecting on how far we have come, and what South Africa you want in the future. Allow yourself the time to decide, read what parties and candidates are offering, and do not let yourself miss the opportunity to be a part of making history one more time.

Never give up on our City. She is holding on for you, and we can all hold on for her.