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I have to tell you, Mbali, while I admire your commitment to rebuilding the DA into a more inclusive opposition, I wish you'd go independent. I'd vote for you like a shot. https://twitter.com/mbalimcdust/status/1326769161943576580
There isn't a single party whose real-life performance inspires me to do anything but spoil or eat my ballot. On paper I'm an ANC voter - its values, mission and many of its policies resonate with me. But the reality diverges wildly from paper.
At first glance I read like a DA voter: white, middle class, self-described liberal (and very aware that I need to read more, and deeply, to articulate a better, more inclusive liberalism). But I cannot vote for a party that serves only me and mine.
Then there's the EFF. I voted for it when it emerged because I thought it would bring new energy and debate to Parly. A lot can be done in parliamentary committees. But the boring graft of policy isn't what makes them tick, and they shout better than they lobby for legislation.
The IFP's history has always unsettled me, and I struggle with any sort of narrow nationalism. So, not them. The UDM has got my vote twice; Holomisa has been strong on corruption and I admire his work ethic. But...
... I don't see room for the party beyond the man, you know? OK, next is COPE - and, just, no. Internecine leadership battles, snore. Agang ditto. GOOD, well, I respect Ms De Lille but I'm wary of frequent floor-crossers.
FF+, a hard no. None of their policies resonate and I just don't see myself as a cowering helpless minority in need of racist reinforcement. Then we're into religious parties, another hard no.
Even if Mashaba gets onto the ballot, I'm not voting for a xenophobe and I was a Joburg resident during his tenure - unimpressed.
So where does that leave me? I am mulling the following: spoil my ballot (yes I know that's a bit of a kak approach); stop voting but get more involved in other civic work so I'm engaging with democracy; or vote for independents.
Anyway. Thinking aloud. I'm not really looking to be lobbied by politicians or party supporters, nor to endure any condescending lectures about my politics. I am keen to hear from other ordinary Joes who are also mulling this stuff (no pressure to divulge your vote, of course!)
(I will probably delete this thread tomorrow. Invariably my mentions fill up with bridge trolls and, really, if I wanted to be called names by strangers I'd go back to answering newsdesk phones.)
