Topic:
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Hugh Jordan
The Republic of South Africa firmly believes that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of a thriving democracy. Having emerged from a history of disenfranchisement, we understand the profound importance of safeguarding electoral integrity. We recognize the growing threats posed by criminal activities and corruption to elections globally and are committed to working with the international community, particularly through the UNODC, to address these challenges.
While South Africa has made significant strides in establishing a robust electoral system, we are not immune to these threats. In our region and within South Africa itself, we observe trends such as politically motivated violence and intimidation, which, while reduced, still occur and can deter voters. The proliferation of fake news and disinformation, amplified through social media, poses a considerable threat to informed voter choice, exacerbated by the rapid spread of information and the difficulty in verifying its accuracy. Voter buying and other forms of electoral corruption remain a concern, particularly in communities facing socioeconomic challenges, undermining the principle of one person, one vote. Finally, as electoral processes rely more on technology, the risk of cyberattacks targeting voter databases or campaign infrastructure becomes a growing concern.
South Africa commends the work of the UN and UNODC and believes several enhancements are crucial. We emphasize regional cooperation in combating transnational criminal activities impacting elections, advocating for stronger collaboration within SADC. Investing in capacity building for electoral management bodies, law enforcement, and civil society is critical. South Africa offers its expertise in these areas. We believe transparency in campaign finance and electoral processes is crucial for building trust and advocate for stronger mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable. Recognizing that poverty and inequality create vulnerabilities, addressing these socioeconomic factors is essential. While acknowledging risks, South Africa believes technology can play a positive role in enhancing electoral integrity, supporting its responsible use with robust cybersecurity safeguards. Finally, South Africa stresses protecting the rights of civil society organizations to monitor elections and expose corruption.
South Africa reaffirms its commitment to working with the UNODC and the international community to strengthen electoral integrity. Through enhanced international cooperation, capacity building, and addressing the root causes of electoral challenges, we can collectively safeguard the democratic process.
