An independent local government consultant says that, despite the current service delivery protests in certain parts of the country, there would be more voter participation in the upcoming local government elections.

Speaking at the Gauteng Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) seminar on the state of local government ahead of the 2011 municipal elections, Ralph Mathekga said: “There might be protests in certain parts of the country, but there will be a high and satisfactory level of voter participation.”

His sentiments were shared by Derek Powell from the University of Western Cape’s Community Law Centre. “Protests are very much enthusiastic about participating in the voting process, it is a fact protesters support elections,” he said.

The seminar was aimed at current challenges facing local government as well as the past successes since local government was introduced in 2000.

– Buanews.gov.za