AU Observers Laud South Africa's Peaceful Elections, Suggest Improvements
The mission deployed 65 observers across South Africa's nine provinces. A final report will follow within two months after observing the post-election phase.
JOHANNESBURG— South Africa's national and provincial elections on May 29 were conducted in a peaceful, professional and generally well-managed manner, according to preliminary findings by African Union observers released Friday, writes Winston Mwale.
However, the mission led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta outlined several areas for improvement.
The AU mission commended South Africa's Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for its accountability, open-door policy and role in ensuring the credibility of the pivotal polls, which introduced independent candidates for the first time at the national level.
"Overall, the Mission notes that the 2024 South African National and Provincial Elections was pivotal for the country's democratic future and had implications for political stability within South Africa and the sub-region," Kenyatta said.
"South Africans freely exercised their constitutional right to vote and voted peacefully."
While praising the IEC's voter education efforts and inclusion of marginalized groups, the observers noted concerns around misinformation, use of inflammatory language online, and a lack of specific legislation mandating equitable gender representation in politics despite progress.
Kenyatta urged aggrieved parties to use established electoral dispute resolution mechanisms, calling them effective in handling numerous pre-election cases.
Logistical challenges like delays in ballot distribution and failures of voter management devices contributed to long lines and late counting at some stations, according to the statement.
It recommended increasing polling locations, boosting staffing and strengthening planning.
The observers also urged the government to enhance campaign finance regulations to cover independent candidates and ensure full transparency.
Enforcement of existing political funding laws appeared lacking.
Other recommendations included incorporating gender equity legislation, enhancing media regulation around misinformation, and continuing civic groups' advocacy for women's representation.
The mission deployed 65 observers across South Africa's nine provinces. A final report will follow within two months after observing the post-election phase.