Change Starts Now (CSN), a promising political party launched just three months ago with great anticipation, stunned the nation with its recent announcement: it will not be participating in the upcoming 2024 elections. This decision, coming on the heels of the party’s unveiling of its election manifesto, has left many supporters and observers baffled.

Founded by the enterprising businessman Roger Jardine, CSN had garnered significant attention and support in a remarkably short span of time. However, the party’s aspirations were dashed by a recent ruling from the Constitutional Court regarding the Electoral Amendment Act. This ruling, which came as a result of a challenge by One Movement South Africa, had profound implications for CSN and other emerging political entities.

At the heart of the court’s decision was the contentious issue of the signature quota required for independent candidates to qualify for electoral contention. Previously set at 15%, this threshold was deemed unconstitutional by the court, which mandated a much lower requirement of just 1,000 signatures. While seemingly a boon for independent candidates, this ruling presented a logistical nightmare for fledgling parties like CSN, which suddenly found themselves facing insurmountable barriers to securing a spot on the ballot.

Additionally, the court dismissed a plea from the Independent Candidates Association seeking an increase in the number of National Assembly seats available to independent candidates. This decision further compounded the challenges faced by CSN and similar organizations, effectively narrowing the avenues available for political participation outside of established party structures.

In light of these developments, CSN was left with no choice but to bow out of the electoral race. In a statement issued by the party, they lamented the unfair obstacles imposed by the recent judgment, which rendered their path to the ballot box all but impassable. Despite their best efforts and a groundswell of grassroots support, CSN found itself stymied by the harsh realities of South Africa’s political landscape.

Nevertheless, the party remains steadfast in its commitment to effecting meaningful change in the country. While conceding defeat in the electoral arena, CSN pledged to continue advocating for the principles espoused in its Change Charter. This document, which outlines the party’s vision for a better South Africa, will serve as a guiding light for CSN as it charts a new course forward.

Furthermore, CSN expressed its willingness to throw its support behind other political parties that share its values and aspirations. Recognizing the importance of unity in the face of adversity, the party called on all South Africans to participate in the democratic process and to vote in the upcoming elections. Despite their own setback, CSN remains optimistic about the future of the country and the role that engaged citizens can play in shaping it.

In the aftermath of CSN’s withdrawal from the electoral race, questions abound about the state of democracy in South Africa. Many wonder whether the current electoral framework truly fosters inclusivity and diversity, or if it merely serves to entrench the power of established political elites. The plight of CSN highlights the challenges faced by new entrants into the political arena, who often find themselves marginalized by institutional barriers and bureaucratic red tape.

Looking ahead, it is clear that South Africa stands at a crossroads. The upcoming elections will be a litmus test for the country’s democratic institutions and its commitment to ensuring fair and equal representation for all citizens. As CSN and other aspiring political movements regroup and re-evaluate their strategies, one thing remains certain: the struggle for a better South Africa is far from over.