Knysna residents in the Garden Route of the Western Cape are spoilt for choice as they make their mark today with 22 parties contesting the local government election.
A tourism favourite with locals and overseas guests, Knysna has been experiencing several service delivery challenges lately, including water and sanitation issues, as well as unemployment and crime.
Residents in the area have expressed frustration, saying that they are demanding change.
Ten parties are on the ballot paper for the first time.
New entrants include the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party, who face an uphill battle against established parties such as the Democratic Alliance, the African National Congress (ANC), the Patriotic Alliance and the Knysna Independent Movement.
The town is also fielding several newly established parties like Knysna First and One Love Alliance.
This election comes amid political instability in the municipality, following the defection of the former ANC mayor to the SACP, and arrests for corruption of senior municipal officials.
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