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Role of scholars in elections discussed
The Unisa Senate Hall became a centre for the festival of ideas during the 11th Africa Day Celebrations when elections in Africa were put under the spotlight. Different intellectuals converged at Unisa to listen and debate the theme "The power of the ballot: elections in Africa."
Prof Peter Dzvimbo, Unisa's Deputy Executive Dean: Education and Research, set the scene for the speakers. The South African Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Chairperson, Dr Brigalia Bam, also formed part of the panel. She spoke extensively on the role of learners and students in the elections and the IEC. She said that learners and students are needed to professionalise, review and conduct research on our electoral system. Dr Bam mentioned that African countries do not have their own unique electoral systems. "Our electoral systems are informed by our former colonisers," she said. She said that elections come with lots of challenges and the best way to handle them is to work closely with the political parties and the media. The challenge is that in some African countries, there is one national broadcaster that is controlled by the state, and this makes it difficult for all political parties to access that media," mentioned Dr Bam. When asked how she deals with legal problems during elections, she answered by stating that the Electoral Court and the Constitutional Court are always available to assist.
The debate was stimulated by her asking: "Why is there resistance when a leader has to relinquish power?" and "Why can't a political party manage to stay in power after elections?" She said that learners and students must help the IEC to strengthen institutions such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU). They must look at issues of systems, accountability and representation in our parliaments. There is a need for forums where the voters will engage with their representatives.
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