South Africa’s bishops have promoted “voter education” and political engagement in a handbook for the country’s 2024 elections.
Ahead of elections for a new National Assembly as well as for provincial legislatures, the Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) published a Voter Education Manual.
The 18-page document issued on December 14 is “intended to provide general information and guidance on the electoral process in South Africa”.
The manual highlights the Catholic Social Teaching concerning democracy and voting rights.
“By educating citizens about the importance of the electoral process, voter education initiatives can combat voter apathy and help increase voter turnout,” says the manual.
“When more people participate in elections, the legitimacy of electoral outcomes is strengthened and ensures that voices of all citizens are heard or represented.”
The Justice and Peace Commission has also published prayer intercessions in nine of South Africa’s 12 official languages and asks all people of God to recite the prayers as the nation heads to the polls. South African elections are held between May and August, with the date announced early in 2024.
The prayer appeals for leaders who aspire for the common good of South Africa and have the fear of the Lord in their hearts, and asks young people to register as voters and prepare themselves for voting in 2024.
All the officials and volunteers of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) are also held in prayer so that they “may be honest and diligent in preparing for the elections ensuring that all procedures are implemented according to the IEC regulations”.
In August, the Bishop of Kokstad Thulani Mbuyisa reminded South Africans after a bishops’ plenary in the Diocese of Mariannhill that they are responsible for the direction and future of the country.
“Given the prevailing situation in our country with the economic, [and] the political situation, as bishops we do need to say something…to encourage the people of this country. Many of them are disillusioned with the current political situation, many are undecided on who to vote for or to vote at all. Voter apathy is real in this country,” Bishop Mbuyisa said.
In their Christmas message, the SACBC contrasted “this season of peace” with “the reality of our situation in the world, at the
national and personal levels, [which] is characterised by a lack of peace”.
“Walking together in justice commits us to letting ourselves be guided by the Lord and honouring him by doing his holy
will,” they said, appealing for “a culture of equality for all and respect for human rights”.
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