The 2014 South African general election was held on 7 May 2014, to elect a new National Assembly and new provincial legislatures in each province. It was the fifth election held under conditions of universal adult suffrage since the end of the apartheid era in 1994. These elections are also the first held since the death of Nelson Mandela and the first with the ‘Born Free’ voters (Born 1994 - Present).
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established. However, the Church does encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections. For more information about the Church’s view on Political Neutrality, visit this website: http://www.mormonnewsroom.co.za/article/political-neutrality
On May 7th many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints went to the polls to cast their votes. Bishop Colin Gqibitole and his wife Ntombentsha were seen standing in line to cast their votes.
Bishop Sandile Makasi offered a smile of encouragement to other South Africa election voters as he waited for his chance to cast his ballot. Bishop Makasi said he was asked by his political party to represent them at the voting station on the election day. His role as a party agent was to ensure that the process is free and fair, verify the seals on the ballot boxes to ensure they are intact (i.e. unbroken) before the boxes are opened, witness the process whereby the status of questionable ballot paper is determined, witness the completion of the result forms and add his signature, and copy the results for that voting station.
He commented, “In the past my parents did not have the opportunity to vote in elections or have any part in the outcomes. For their sakes and all those who suffered these inequalities during Apartheid, I must utilize my right to vote in elections to ensure that we have a government chosen by the majority of people. There are still some things we can improve upon, but we are voting and our votes make a difference.”