Know your right to make your mark!
Knowledge is power and in light of the upcoming elections, knowledge cannot be a more powerful tool.
The right to vote is a right which is of such importance that it has been incorporated into the Bill of Rights which is regarded as the cornerstone of our democracy.
Section 19 of the Bill of Rights reads as follows: “Every citizen is free to make political choices, which includes the right to form a political party; to participate in the activities of, or recruit members for, a political party; and to campaign for a political party or cause.”
Political rights are afforded to every adult South African citizen and entitle the individual to choose and participate in a political affiliation of their choice and to do so freely and fairly and without any force or coercion.
The right to public participation is also included in this section, and means that every adult citizen of the Republic may participate in public elections when they arise.
Should an adult person be precluded from voting based on race, gender, ethnicity or any other restricted ground stated in section 8 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, this right will be infringed.
Political rights are of such importance and are regarded so highly within the Republic that even prisoners, with certain exceptions, are allowed to exercise their right to vote.
Compiled by Monique Milligan- Candidate Attorney Malherbe Rigg and Ranwell Incorporated.
Malherbe Rigg and Ranwell Attorneys will each week introduce readers of the Advertiser to your Rights, published under the Bill of Rights within the South African Constitution. Those with further information regarding their rights may communicate a query to jeff@mrr.co.za.
