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Bishops in Southern Africa Unveil Voter Education Manual Ahead of 2024 Polls

Credit: SACBC
Jude Atemanke

By Jude Atemanke

Johannesburg, 14 December, 2023 / 8:45 pm (ACI Africa).

The Justice and Peace Commission (JP) of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has published a Voter Education Manual ahead of the general elections scheduled to take place in South Africa next year.

In the 18-page document issued Thursday, December 14, JP members said the manual is “intended to provide general information and guidance on the electoral process in South Africa.”

“Voter education plays a crucial role in ensuring effectiveness and integrity of democratic elections because it empowers citizens by providing them with the knowledge and understanding of their rights, responsibilities and electoral processes,” JP members explained.

They added that voter education also “enables individuals to make informed decisions.”

They noted that voter education initiatives can combat voter apathy and help increase voter turnout.

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“When more people participate in elections, the legitimacy of the electoral outcomes is strengthened and ensures that the voices of all citizens are represented,” they added.

They said, “Voter education is a vital component of any democratic society. By providing citizens with the necessary knowledge and understanding of the electoral process, people are empowered to exercise their democratic rights and actively contribute to shaping the future of their country.”

The 18-page manual also highlights the Catholic Social Teaching concerning democracy and voting rights. 

In addition to the Voter Education Manual, the JP Commission has also published prayer intercessions in nine official languages and asked all people of God in South Africa to recite the prayers as the nation heads to the polls in 2024.

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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