Page 6 - SA Chamber UK - MAY Newsletter 2024

EVENTS
A CRITICAL SOUTH AFRICAN

ELECTION

Daniel Silke, a political economy analyst, is well known to many South Africans interested
in geopolitics and the global uncertainty we are all experiencing.

We had the honour this year, while he was touring with family, to coerce him away to
spend an evening with the SA Chamber, members, and guests. Our amazing host was
Streathers Solicitors, a multi practice well known West End law firm, who are members of
the Chamber.

On Wednesday evening, 8th May we learnt many interesting facts from Daniel.

It is a bit mind blowing to understand that 60 odd countries are going to the poll in 2024.
Which means that half the global population, two billion people are directly impacted by
change, real change as many countries are seeing dramatic swings in voter demands by
their choices at the poll.

South Africa’s critical election is later this month, could 29th May be the tipping or turning
point, to a new chapter for South Africa?

The predicted outcome data varies vastly; from a majority (greater than 50% to just below
50% or significantly below 50% for the current ruling party).

A global issue is who actually votes. Not all eligible people are registered, and of those
registered, not all can or want to go and vote. For example, in the United Kingdom, 24k
were registered and only 16k put their mark down, 67%. So mathematically, the decision
is made by less than the majority of eligible voters.

Daniel shared the range of coalition outcomes and how that would impact government,

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SA CHAMBER UK NEWSLETTER MAY 2024