Sachs believes SA's democracy strong, backs enhancements to electoral system
Albie Sachs on Thursday addressed 39 political parties and one independent candidate who signed the electoral code of conduct in Cape Town to contest elections in the Western Cape.
Former Constitutional Court judge, Albie Sachs, addressed political parties at the IEC's Western Cape code of conduct signing in Cape Town on 18 April 2024. Picture: Lindsay Dentlinger/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Retired Constitutional Court judge, Albie Sachs, believes South Africa's democracy is strong and "well-implanted".
He also stressed the importance of the courts in adjudicating matters to ensure a fair electoral process.
Sachs on Thursday addressed 39 political parties and one independent candidate who signed the electoral code of conduct in Cape Town to contest elections in the Western Cape.
A nostalgic Sachs reflected on the poignance of political parties gathering in the Dulcie September Hall in Athlone.
September was assassinated in Paris just days before Sachs himself came under attack in a bomb blast in Maputo.
Sachs recalls being offered a ballot to vote while in solitary confinement in Maitland. pic.twitter.com/TK7MKeRCQ7
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 18, 2024
Sachs said while he still has faith in the country’s electoral system, now may the right time to consider enhancing it.
"I think the country now is ready for a combination for something much more comprehensive than just allowing a few independents here and there to stand in a very complicated way."
Sachs said that public confidence in the electoral process remains critical to the country’s democracy.