Date: 13/10/2011

Source: The National Assembly

Title: SA: Mfeketo: Address by the Deputy speaker of the National Assembly, at the farewell lunch of the chairperson and commissioners of the IEC

Honorable House Chairperson, Ben Skosana
Chairpersons of Committees
Honorable Members of Parliament
Chairperson of the IEC, Dr Bragalia Bam
Chairpersons of the Institutions Supporting Democracy
Commissioners
Invited Guests

We meet today to bid farewell to the outgoing chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Dr Bragalia Bam and Commissioners Tselane, Mpumlwana and van der Merwe.

In paying tribute to the outgoing chairperson and the Commissioners, we draw inspiration from the Preamble of our Constitution, which states that:

“We, the People of South Africa.. .. Respect those who have worked to build our country; and

“Believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity”.

As the interim Constitution was discussed and debated all parties involved in the multi-party negotiation process recognized the need for the establishment of certain key institutions. There was unanimous recognition that the legitimacy of the new democratic order would depend on the success of the first democratic elections.

There was also broad agreement that an independent electoral commission was essential for successful free and fair elections.

When drafting the final Constitution, the Constitutional Assembly noted that most countries have their election authority located in a government Ministry. However, as South Africa had different democratic assumptions, the Constitutional Assembly felt that an independent electoral commission was more appropriate.

It was imperative that South African’s Electoral Commission should not only be institutionally independent but also be seen to be independent and impartial, acting without fear, favour or prejudice.

In addition, the Constitutional Assembly recommended that the electoral authority be established in the Constitution, affirming the ANC-led government’s strong conviction that free, fair and credible elections are essential for democracy, security and development.

Chairperson

Elections exist as a cornerstone of democracy that empowers people to participate in the selection of their political representatives.
The building of strong institutions and political processes is critical in ensuring confidence in our democracy. Accordingly, building democracy presupposes setting up electoral institutions that have full capacity to execute their duties in a manner that creates confidence in the electorate, which in the process deepens public trust.
Seventeen years ago, we showed the world that we are able and willing to co-operate and work with one another to build a democratic country.

As we bid farewell to the chairperson and Commissioners we bask in a sense of pride that we have achieved an unparalleled record of success when it comes to holding free and fair elections in this country.

The image most etched in our minds and in history is that of South Africans in their millions queuing for hours in every part of our villages, townships and cities- proud to make history through putting their mark on a ballot paper for the first time.

Today, South Africa is viewed as a best practice model by many developing and developed countries which consistently want to send delegations to visit and learn from the IEC. Since 1999, over fifty countries have visited the Commission.

In the words of chairperson Bam “ the major attractions to South Africa are our Constitution; independent institutions governing the conduct of elections; transparency of the procedures and processes, especially the counting, involvement of political parties through the Party Liaison Committees; sound systems and institutions and use of technology in election management.”

Such institutions together constitute an important facet for promoting our electoral democracy.

The chairperson and Commissioners have worked with distinction to ensure that the IEC becomes and remains a credible entity in the eyes of South African citizens and indeed the rest of the world. The IEC has fostered close working relationships with election commissions and authorities in more than 58 countries.

Under the leadership of Dr Bam the IEC has received many awards for running credible and peaceful elections; amongst these being an award for Innovative Public Service Improvement. There is much that our government and indeed Parliament can learn from the IEC!

In the past 17 years of our democracy, the IEC has not shunned its role to become part of the construction of a South Africa that recognizes the inherent dignity of citizens.

We have been assured by the strong voter turn-out at national and local government elections that the IEC has set very strong foundations for public participation in the country’s governance by promoting transparency and accountability in election management, especially the proper handling of results and their timely release.

Furthermore, all our registered political parties have consistently walked with the IEC on the journey to sustain the quality of our elections and democracy. Dr Bam, as Speaker of the National Assembly, I have first-hand knowledge of what a handful political parties can be, I would appreciate some tips on how to keep these parties firmly in line before you leave today, please!




Chairperson

In the last year, we have witnessed an extraordinary change take place in the Middle East and North Africa. Square by square, town by town, country by country, the people have risen up to demand their basic human rights. Two leaders have stepped down and more may follow.

Democracy is facing challenges not only in Africa. We see examples at the heart of European institutions of democracy and the rule of law being undermined, we see examples of international crime capturing politics in Latin America and other regions, we see a vast Asian continent where the struggle between democracy and authoritarianism finds diverse expression - for better or worse.

At the heart of democracy’s challenges and democracy’s promise lies the electoral process. It is true that democracy is more than elections, but that very statement implies that the electoral process is the indispensable starting point.

We know that our future is bound to this region by the forces of economics, security and history. We therefore endeavour to respond in a in a way that advances our values and strengthens security. Our country has played a very active and prominent role in African peace keeping, international conflict resolution, diplomacy, multi-lateral organisations, and electoral technical assistance.

South Africa also occupies a Non-Permanent Seat at the UN- Security Council in New York for another two years until 2013. Such recognition is a token of the international confidence and trust in South Africa’s capacity, systems and role in the international arena.

Chairperson

We are indebted to Dr Bam and the Commissioners for having steered the IEC at a time when we were grappling with defining its proper role in our democracy.


Dr Bam and Commissioners Tselane, Mpumlwana and van der Merwe, have worked tirelessly to lay the foundation for a South Africa that would truly belong to all who live in it, united in our diversity.

The chairperson and the Commissioners have dedicated their professional lives to the management of free and fair elections at all levels of government. Their work is a testimony to their belief in the inherent dignity of all people.

I take this opportunity to wish Dr Bam, Commissioners Tselane, Mpumlwana and van der Merwe, happiness, long life and success in their future endeavors.

I trust that the nation will have the privilege to access their wisdom and experience as we continue our journey towards a better quality life for all South Africans.


I Thank You