Johnathan Paoli
In an exclusive interview with Inside Politics, the United States Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Merritt, said she was optimistic concerning the upcoming elections and said it was a privilege to be with the South African people at the marking of this important event.
Merritt gave the interview during the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)’s Signing of the Electoral Code of Conduct and Ballot Paper Draw ceremony on Thursday at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand and said it remained important for the friends of South Africa and fellow democracies to support each other on their respective journeys.
“I think democracy is a journey in every country, it is a process, it is something that we the people need to constantly renew and put our energy into upholding,” she said.
Merritt said at this anniversary of 30 years of South African democracy, it was vital for the government to reflect on what the people want, and for the people to express their will at the ballot box.
She said even in a country that has had its democracy for as long as the United States, there have been some challenges, especially in recent years with citizen frustrations and the conduct of elections.
However, she said she was hopeful in light of the country’s strong independent electoral commission, which had a really good track record of administering free, fair and credible elections.
Asked what her take was considering the large number of contesting parties and independent candidates, Merritt said in light of differing structures of electoral processes, as well as unique situational factors within each democratic society, the increase might not be problematic, and provides the South African people with a variety of choices in electing representatives.
“As observers and friends we are all very curious to see this year, whether there are any changes, and coalitions formed,” she said.
Merritt said that the American did not have any specific role within the country, and was only here as observers and diplomats in order to learn more about the country, and hopeful to witness a free and fair election this year.
She also confirmed that there were no official programmes or planned groups of observers during the elections when commenting about a recent letter from the DA calling on international witnesses to come and watch over the elections.
“We talk to many stakeholders in South Africa, including parties, civil society and government, we do not have at present any programme in the country that would be relevant to any large-scale observation. On the other hand, the US believes that democracies observing other democracies is important, we invite observers into our own country, but at this moment there are no plans,” she said.
Merritt said that SA was an important partner for her country, as a fellow democracy, a diverse nation of many cultures, races and languages just like the US.
“I think we’re on a path toward a more full democracy in both nations that is more inclusive, especially the inclusion of the youth. I think our relationship, although there are bumps in the road, are strong,” the deputy said.
She referenced a recent business event led last week by the Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety in Atlanta, Georgia; bringing together SA business and government officials to focus on the capital as a hub and focal point for US-SA relations, including business-to-business ties to major American corporations.
Merritt said she was excited about the upcoming elections, which should lead to a successful outcome and was glad to witness the parties declaring and pledging their support for non-violence and a free and fair elections.
INSIDE POLITICS
