My sense is that the local government election results will be a wakeup call for the so-called big parties. They have been arrogant and they have taken people for granted. It is evident that the poor and the youth are pushing back and that a considerable number of people have withheld their votes from the parties that have let them down. This election is proving that many people are no longer moved by posters or adverts. It is clear that people want real change.
While I was out campaigning, I heard, “they are all the same, all steal and are corrupt and incompetent with no consequences irrespective of undertakings by the president, a mayor, or any political leader”. We cannot be surprised by the low voter turn out when this view is held by a significant number of people.
Ordinary folks fervently believe that all politicians are only interested in enriching themselves and those close to them. No amount of spin would dissuade people from that view. Actions speak louder than words. People are distrustful of politicians and government, and rightfully so. It is for this reason that CA1st consistently argues that we are not traditional politicians. We are activists who want to change the approach within the City Council.
Establishment parties – especially the DA – have unashamedly denigrated smaller parties, independent candidates and new entrants. This gave some people the sense that it wouldn’t help if they chose to invest their votes in a smaller party, a new entrant or an independent candidate. This narrative, driven through posters and media advertising, is unethical and a direct attack on the meaning of democracy. I hate to say it but I believe certain media outlets played a big role in driving this narrative of big and small parties. This assisted in people thinking new entrants or new parties without big funding are insignificant.
I can hold my head high and I can proudly say that the Credible Alternative 1st Movement (CA1st) focused on our practical offerings for Capetonians. The more people heard us, the more they started to believe that we really had a CREDIBLE ALTERNATIVE to offer. It is a pity that we entered so late and that we didn’t have the resources to get our messages across to more people in time.
It is crystal clear that people want a credible alternative to the existing and establishment parties. People are looking for someone to deal with the real issues on the ground. Capetonians want a positive difference in their lives! I remain resolute that the Credible Alternative 1st Movement must and shall continue spreading our practical offering. We will not wait till the advent of the next election to do so.
As the leader of CA1st, I remain firm in my belief that our people deserve better. My sense is that people don’t trust the political process and we will actively work to win that trust. Other parties also have to work hard in this regard, or else we might end up with an even lower voter turn-out in subsequent elections.
In closing, I wonder if we should not change our electoral process so that citizens directly vote for the respective mayors. This will give people more power to decide on this important position that impacts on their daily lives.
BY ADV. ROD SOLOMONS, LEADER AND MAYORAL CANDIDATE OF CA1ST
Contact: 082 511 2010