‘Democratic responsibility of voters doesn’t end at ballot box’

Parliament’s Presiding Officers say the democratic responsibility of voters does not end at the ballot box.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, have called on South Africans to also involve themselves in the various municipal processes.

This as Monday and Tuesday have been earmarked for those who have applied for special votes ahead of Wednesday’s municipal elections to cast their ballots.

Parliament’s Spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says, “They encourage voters to familiarise themselves with the candidates and political parties contesting the elections and to make informed choices based on the needs and aspirations of their communities. Furthermore, they remind South Africans that democratic participation does not end at the ballot box. Residents have a continuing responsibility to encourage their councillors, participate in municipal planning and budgeting processes, and hold elected representatives accountable for service delivery commitments.”

PRESIDING OFFICERS URGE SOUTH AFRICANS TO MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD AS SPECIAL VOTING BEGINS

Parliament, Monday, 2 November 2026 – The Presiding Officers of Parliament, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, call on South Africans to exercise their democratic right to vote as special voting gets underway today, ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

The Presiding Officers emphasise that voting is not only about electing councillors but also about determining who will represent communities, oversee municipal service delivery and hold municipal administrations accountable.

They encourage voters to familiarise themselves with the candidates and political parties contesting the elections and to make informed choices based on the needs and aspirations of their communities.

Furthermore, they remind South Africans that democratic participation does not end at the ballot box. Residents have a continuing responsibility to engage their councillors, participate in municipal planning and budgeting processes, and hold elected representatives accountable for service delivery commitments.

As special voting begins, the Presiding Officers wish all eligible special voters well and urge those voting on 4 November, particularly young and first-time voters, to participate peacefully, responsibly and in large numbers.

They also encourage voters to verify their voting details through the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and to follow official electoral information.

For more information, visit the IEC website: https://t.co/esEDnXod5a

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) November 2, 2026