OPINION | Michael Louis: Stop playing Russian roulette with our right to vote
by Michael Louis It is not by chance that currently more than 77 civil organisations, including religious, business and trade unions, are unsettled, and the objection to the current draft Electoral Amendment bill, passed by the standing committee last week, is gaining momentum, writes Michael Louis. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is playing Russian roulette […]
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: 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”. […]
Why proposed amendments to SA’s electoral system favour the governing ANC
IMAGE: Right – A woman leaves a voting station after casting her vote during the local government elections in Alexandra, Johannesburg, South Africa, on 1 November 2021. (Photo: EPA-EFE / KIM LUDBROOK) By Pierre de Vos In June 2020, the Constitutional Court instructed Parliament to amend the electoral system within 24 months to allow independent […]
Valli Moosa | My vote must actually count
A proposed new electoral system is complex to understand, complicated to implement, and less fair than the current systems for national, provincial and municipal government, writes Valli Moosa. Free and fair elections. This is one of the greatest successes of the South African democracy. A new electoral system is under consideration by Parliament at present and […]