Local election campaigners accused of misleading voters on promises

Political parties and independent candidates campaigning for upcoming local government elections have been accused of misleading voters by making promises that exceed municipalities' constitutional responsibilities. Experts argue that some parties are exploiting national concerns, such as gender-based violence and immigration, to attract voter support, while neglecting basic services and local governance issues that municipal councils are responsible for addressing.

Political analyst Theo Neethling expressed concerns that the prominence of national leaders on campaign posters and the emphasis on national political issues may divert attention from the local elections' true focus on local government responsibilities. He suggested that local election campaigns should prioritize credible, actionable plans for local governance, such as resolving water shortages, repairing roads, removing refuse, maintaining traffic lights, and managing municipal finances responsibly.

Analyst Sandile Swana criticized parties that campaigned on issues outside municipalities' constitutional responsibilities, highlighting the need for parties to focus on the Municipal Finance Management Act and the Municipal Systems Act. Neethling used Helen Zille's campaign as an example of an approach that brought attention back to local government issues, such as potholes, water shortages, and infrastructure deterioration.

Swana also criticized the use of political leaders' faces and slogans on campaign posters, arguing that this approach can undermine local democracy by allowing weaker candidates to hide behind popular figures. He emphasized the importance of voters assessing the competence of municipal candidates and engaging them directly on problems affecting their communities.

Swana further questioned the funding of campaign posters and the transparency of political donations to the Electoral Commission of South Africa.