Fantastic news just came through via sms on my cellphone.
The PTA high court has ruled in favour of South Africans living abroad. They are now eligible to vote from overseas.
This can only be good news for our democracy moving forward. I think this is a great victory for the people of South African and our constitution.
From a SAPA report:
Pretoria – South Africans abroad should be allowed to vote, the Pretoria High Court ruled on Monday.
Handing down judgment, Acting Judge Piet Ebersohn ruled that the current legislation infringed on the rights of South Africans living abroad.
The court ruled that the electoral act “limited” the casting of votes to people temporarily living abroad. It referred the judgment to the Constitutional Court for confirmation.
The Independent Electoral Commission was also ordered to change its voting procedures so as to allow South Africans living abroad to vote.
Judgment may be overruled
Speaking outside the court, Freedom Front Plus spokesperson Willie Spies said the Constitutional Court could overrule the judgment.
The FF Plus brought the application on behalf of a South African school teacher living in the United Kingdom.
Currently certain groups, including government employees and people on holiday and business trips, could have arrangements made for special votes.
The party would file an application in the Pretoria High Court asking that the proclamation of the voting day be postponed to allow the Constitutional Court ample time to consider the matter.
The application was expected to be heard shortly after midday.
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Popularity: 4% [?]
February 9th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Not that convinced that 1) I am in favour of the decision and 2) the CA will ratify the decision
February 9th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
If this is true and the judgement is not overruled it would be only fair and a great step forward. Why do you think thi is not fair Eishman? I’m in Ireland until end of July – have been living here for 2 years – always intented to return to SA but (until now) not allowed to vote – absolute nonsense…
February 9th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Ye Eish, im kinda with John here… I think that people should be allowed to travel and if their travels fall on a voting year, vote. Other countries do it, so why should we not. the world is a much smaller place now and we need to accommodate that. People travel but often want to return. Why should they not have a say for the next four years of their country just because they decided to book a trip without knowing the exact date of the voting weekend?
February 9th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I’m not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand it’s great for SAfricans who are abroad short term (business or travel). But many SAfricans have gone for good; are trying to get citizenship or the right to live in other countries. So where’s the cut off? 1 year away, 2, 5, 10?
February 10th, 2009 at 2:21 am
i think its just great. living abroad for true south africans only makes them more passionate to come home, well thats how i feel anyways. in fact i dont think ive ever eaten so many Ouma Rusks here in Sydney, in fact i didnt have that many in SA! Not all south africans leave because of a situation, but some for experience too and i feel should have a say in what goes in a land that they will return too.
February 10th, 2009 at 7:29 am
if the IEC’s site cost R3,000,000 to build, imagine what an online voting app would ‘cost’ to build.
February 18th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
great victory,i believe the aussies have started with their mind games,just wanna let then know that they are in for a rough ride,they should buckle up
March 6th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
http://www.Kasilami.co.za : is a cool site for alll the local lingo used in the Townships, very informative stuff. Nice to see people trying to promote the local heritage we have in our country.
Enjoy