At the forefront of our new democracy is the strong support that any person be allowed to campaign for government and participate in politics and that many political parties may be allowed to compete with each other for seats in parliament. What a wonderful ideal, but being this spoiled for choice is so detrimental to our political state! How effective (really) is this multi-party system?
In countries such as the United States, Canada and the UK where only a handful of political parties really compete with each another, the choice for voters is easy: Party A or Party B. Two, maybe three parties competing with each other leaves society with a very simple decision to make: "Hey, Party A is lacking behind - I'm voting B from now on." The beautiful thing about this is that you can "take your money elsewhere" and make a difference. But what about when three thousand other groups are trying to secure your vote?
If you are dissatisfied with MTN, you can your money to Vodacom. If you're dissatisfied with the ANC, you have a hornets nest to contend with when it comes to choice. Having three large parties in government makes things easy for the individual - one can follow the policies and campaigns of all parties and vote accordingly.
In Canada, for example, the Liberal government lost the support of its voters to the Conservatives - easy choice: "Liberal isn't doing it for me, let's try the opposition." In the United States, the only effective groups are Democrats and Republicans. Government changes regularly from one to the other based on the competition's performance and the appropriateness of the candidate - now THAT is a healthy democracy, not one in which the vote is totally spoiled with minute little groups gaining ten thousand votes here and there - that won't win seats in the National Assembly.
Hypothetically, if the major opposition parties of South Africa were to merge (DA, COPE, IFP, ID, UDM, FF and ACDP) the choice would be simple: ANC or opposition. Currently the ANC holds 264 out of 400 seats in parliament, the DA 64 and COPE 30. The opposition collectively makes up 136 seats. In an election, it would be more than possible to raise that number and take places from the majority party based on clever campaigning and winning the allegiance of the people.
This, in my opinion (and of many in this country) is the only way to truly enjoy a healthy and happy democracy; never mind this one million party nonsense. We need two or three large groups to vie for power to enjoy real pressure on government and worthwhile choice for voters. I hope to see in my lifetime the serious consideration of opposition parties to form a truly strong and motivated opposition to steer voters away from a failed majority organisation. South Africa deserves the best - this IS what blood, sweat and tears were given up for (the BEST in our country).
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