OPINIONISTA: Logic of the illogical: South Africa’s 2019 electoral culture

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OPINIONISTA: Logic of the illogical: South Africa’s 2019 electoral culture By Susan Booysen BooysenS2

To fathom the rules of the illogical one looks beyond the Constitution, laws, stated party positions and many other formal expressions of how South African politics is supposed to work. There is a different world of actual behaviour andHints of this ubiquitous display come to the fore in references to South Africa’s processes of parallel democracy and shadow state. Such forms of state are evident, respectively, in community protests and South Africa’s experiences of state capture.

Despite this cynicism, South Africans love their elections. Forecasts are that around 70%, perhaps slightly higher, possibly even matching the 73.5% of 2014, of the electorate will cast their ballots on 8 May 2019. Yet, between 30 and 40% report that they are not satisfied with any of the political parties. But South Africans will vote.

On the policy front, this president and his reformers have to walk the tightrope between financial prudence, restoring the raided and ravaged state-owned enterprises, getting investment – and following a populist policy path that will bring socio-economic justice where 25 years of so-called constitutional democracy has failed.

The contradictions of South African politics flourish. Many of the policies being offered to bait the electorate are contested. Land, energy and health care illustrate the absence of consensus in the ANC. The party’s election manifesto is not cast in stone.

 

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