Electoral Amendment Act does not pass constitutional muster — that’s why we’re taking it to court
By Michael Louis READ ARTICLE HERE: https://cb.run/r3Ru We remain of the belief that the act is unconstitutional and that it does not pass the requirement of ‘one vote is equal to one seat’ and does not pass the constitutional provisions of ‘in general proportionality’. The South African political space has become an oligopoly of bad options […]
Concourt challenge to Electoral Act
Illustration: Lisa Nelson
A Report on key numerical and constitutional implications of the electoral system as amended by the Electoral Amendment Act
VIEW THE DOCUMENT HERE: https://bit.ly/3MZncNq The recently enacted Electoral Amendment Act, 1 of 2023, has introduced significant changes to the electoral system in relation to independent candidates seeking election to the National Assembly. In light of these amendments, a comprehensive report has been compiled to assess the key numerical and constitutional implications of the revised […]
NOTICE OF MOTION
IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA In the matter between:INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE ASSOCIATIONSOUTH AFRICA NPC Applicant(Registration Number 2021/616521/08)andPRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA First RespondentSPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Second RespondentCHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCILOF PROVINCES Third RespondentMINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS Fourth RespondentINDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION Fifth RespondentALL POLITICAL PARTIES REGISTERED FORELECTIONS FOR THE NATIONAL […]
Ramaphosa’s electoral reform headache as December deadline looms
by Michael Appel Opposition to the electoral amendment bill, in its current form, continues to grow, with Ramaphosa under increasing pressure to act before the 10 December deadline. In June 2020, the Constitutional Court ordered Parliament to make the necessary legislative changes to the existing electoral law, which makes it impossible for an independent candidate to […]
OPINION | Michael Louis: Electoral reform – power lies with the people, not the politicians
By Michael Louis Civil society has made submissions to the NCOP on 9 November, making a case for why the electoral reform bill is defective and cannot become law in its current form. Last week Parliament sat to put the final touches on a piece of legislation that was initiated by a legal challenge that […]
OPINION | The ‘Kairos’ moment: Our last chance for electoral reform
By Michael Louis Michael Louis calls on civil society and the public to make submissions on the electoral amendment bill, writing that we must collaborate and stand firm to make the best of this opportunity that will not come around again in this generation. When I – along with many others – began the legal […]
DA, EFF objects as Parliament edges closer to finalising Electoral Amendment Bill
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs is now expected to adopt the report before referring it to the National Assembly. By Molefe Seeletsa Parliament has resolved outstanding issues regarding the Electoral Amendment Bill and is gearing itself up to approve the legislation. The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs met on Friday to discuss outstanding issues and […]
Electoral Amendment Bill: Why civil society groups reject Parliament’s endorsement of minority report
By Marvin Charles More than 50 civil society groups gathered on the steps of Parliament on Friday to hand over a formal submission to the Speaker of the National Assembly, rejecting the Electoral Amendment Bill currently before Parliament. More than 50 civil society organisations rejected the Electoral Amendment Bill. It comes less than 90 days […]
OPINION | Michael Louis: Parliament deploying ‘Stalingrad’ tactics when it comes to electoral reform
It is clear that Parliament will not be able to pass a constitutionally compliant electoral reform act by the December deadline, writes Michael Louis. The lifeblood of our democracy is the right to vote. This is underpinned by the founding values in our Constitution: human dignity, universal adult suffrage, national common voters roll, regular elections and […]