Various political parties were out in the streets of Bloemfontein convincing the youth to register to vote so that they can exercise their democratic rights in the upcoming elections.

The Freedom Front Plus recognises the importance of the youth in the Free State and for them to register to vote for the upcoming elections, said Free State FF Plus leader Jan van Niekerk.

“That’s the only way we can take back South Africa to a prosperous country and to a land where everyone has job opportunities and there is peace and stability.”

“My expectation for this registration weekend is that we can get another half a million eligible voters to register for the first time. More than 23 000 voting stations are open and I appeal to the voters to register to ensure that they can vote for the upcoming election,” said Freedom Front Plus national leader Dr Pieter Groenewald.

It is the last IEC voter registration weekend and this presents an opportunity for residents to turn their backs on crime and unemployment and for people to play their part in creating a better future, said Northern Cape DA leader Harold McGluwa.

“People need to know that the new law requires them to register in the ward that they live in, it is, therefore, essential for everyone to check their registration statuses to ensure that they are properly registered.”

Action SA expect that all the unregistered people will go out to register and those who have been incorrectly registered, should fix that, said Free State Action SA spokesperson Nomawethu Sbukwana.

“I would like to believe that we have done everything possible to get young people to register. This week we visited all the tertiary institutions in the province, encouraging young people to use this opportunity to get themselves registered.”

People need to check their status in terms of registration and those who haven't registered need to do so because we all must participate in the elections of 2024. This is the only time we can use the democratic process to change the status quo, said Free State Rise Mzansi convenor Nomsa Marchesi.

“Today is the day when we as South Africans need to decide our future, 20 million South Africans who were eligible to vote in 2019 did not vote. That means we have allowed the ruling party to continue robbing us of our future and allowing young people to go without a future that allows them to grow and participate in the economy.”

Voter registration is continuing again today (4/2) from 8-5 pm, the self-registration platform may also be used during this weekend and beyond on the register to vote website.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg