Successful election is possible even with the virus

I WRITE to bring to your attention a very pertinent issue concerning holding municipality council elections despite the current Covid-19 pandemic. South Africa is now in the third wave and a fourth wave is looming in the exact time when the elections are scheduled in October 2021.

The public, including the EFF, have come out to challenge the idea, stating that holding the elections will increase the spread of Covid19.

The election process involves people moving and congregating in large numbers which is difficult to control.

The public and EFF feel that the lives of South Africans will be put at stake. However, in my opinion, not holding the elections in the stipulated time is a bigger blunder by the Independent Electoral Commission for democracy in our country.

Besides the fact that the pandemic is here to stay, having the elections at a later date is likely to be more expensive and will involve lengthy legal implications all of which are dangerous to the democracy of South Africa.

Through the Cape Times, South Africans should be comforted and made aware that the government can use this election to plan for the next general election with or without the virus.

South African democracy should not be jeopardised. The public should support the government in fighting the pandemic as well as keeping our democratic principles. This should be done through embracing vaccination, maintaining social distancing, regular use of masks and avoiding crowded places, among other measures. A successful election is possible even with the virus.