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 […]
Time to talk bluntly about Parliament’s blatant Stalingrad tactics on electoral reform
By Michael Louis Dr Michael Louis is the Chairperson of the One South Africa Movement (OSA). _____________________________________________________________________________ Over the past decade and more, we’ve heard much reference to the concept of “Stalingrad” legal strategy — particularly in reference to the likes of former president Jacob Zuma and embattled Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane. It is a long-term […]
OPINION | Michael Louis: The electoral bill remains deeply unconstitutional
In light of the current state of our nation engulfed by failing infrastructure, an ailing economy, stagnant unemployment, rising inflation, unabated corruption, and unaccountable politicians – we have a rare and timeless chance to change it all. Before us is a six-month window of opportunity to create a legislative framework for us as the electorate […]
Electoral Amendment Bill: ConCourt hands Parliament ‘lifeline’
The Constitutional Court granted Parliament a six-month extension to amend the Electoral Act. Parliament requested the extension after it could not process the bill on time, which was tabled by Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi in January. OSA said the extension was a “lifeline” to Parliament after it “dragged its feet for two years”. […]
Electoral Amendment Bill: OSA considers options after Parliament asks ConCourt for extension
The One South Africa Movement is considering its option after Parliament asked the Constitutional Court for a six-month extension to amend the Electoral Act. The Constitutional Court gave Parliament two years to amend the law, but Parliament only started working on the law this year. The law must allow citizens, who are not members […]
Electoral reform bill: Independent candidates want to champion service for South Africans failed by politics accreditation
Parliament’s Home Affairs Committee will consider submissions on the Electoral Amendment Bill. In June 2020, a Constitutional Court ruling declared the Electoral Act unconstitutional. The committee is on a drive to present amendments to adhere to the directive of the Constitutional Court. Independent candidates running for political office removes the notion that South Africans must […]
Inclusive Society Institute says Electoral Bill does not respond to society’s expectations for fundamental electoral reform
THE Inclusive Society Institute says the current Electoral Amendment Bill does not adequately respond to society’s expectations for fundamental electoral reform. This was the position advanced by the civil society group when it made its submission to the parliamentary public hearing on the Electoral Amendment Bill this week. The home affairs portfolio committee is in […]
Time to make proper provision for all Electoral Candidates
Electoral Amendment Bill under consideration ignores the Constitutional Court directive for Parliament to pass a law to include independent candidates in all our legislative bodies CAPE TOWN – When the current fighting over the appropriate scope of the legislation to include independent candidates into all our legislative bodies stops, Parliament and civil society organisations […]
MEDIA STATEMENT: HOME AFFAIRS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THAT PARLIAMENT REQUEST EXTENSION ON AMENDMENT TO ELECTORAL ACT
Parliament, Tuesday, 15 February 2022 – The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs today resolved to recommend that Parliament apply to the Constitutional Court for an extension on an order to remedy the unconstitutionality of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998. Following the June 2020 Constitutional Court judgement on the New Nation Movement NPC and Others v President […]