Elections 2024: Six million under 30 did not register yet

The 2024 elections are upon us but it has been revealed that millions of youth are still unregistered to vote. As reported by eNCA, Ground Work Collective stated that over 6 million potential voters under the age of 30 have yet to register to vote. The youth are encouraged to vote during registration weekend on 3 and 4 February so that they can have their say on who governs the future of South Africa.

There was mixed reaction on social media with some claiming that they are not voting due to being unemployed. Others joined in to encourage the youth to use their vote to make a difference in the country.

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SIX MILLION POTENTIAL VOTERS URGED TO REGISTER BEFORE ELECTIONS

According to Mbli Ntuli from Ground Work Collective, there are 6 million youth who did not register to vote in the elections. She encouraged the youth who need to head to the registration polls on Feb 3 and 4 to register before the elections. According to eNCA, there was an increase in youth registering to vote but there are still millions of potential voters who lost faith in the election process.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS TO NON-REGISTERED VOTERS

Some of the youth stated that unemployment was the reason they were not voting. Others stated that they are waiting to register in February. One user on the Facebook post, stated “What’s the use of voting mara”, while another added, “The 6 million that could potentially change the course of history but choose to sit home and complain…”

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ENCOURAGING THE YOUTH TO GET INVOLVED

Ground Work Collective stated that campaigns and incentives are still being undertaken to encourage the youth to exercise their right to vote. They encourage the youth to visit places where political parties are rallying and to listen to the candidates who are speaking. Mbli Ntuli stated that South Africans can get involved in democracy and change the status quo by voting.

HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE

As previously reported by The South African, South Africans can register to vote at 23,296 voting stations across the country. Online registrations can also be done on the Electoral Commission website up until the elections.

ALSO READ: Jacob Zuma scores well in poll in election warning to ANC

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