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 […]
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 […]
Electoral Amendment Bill is still unconstitutional, say opponents
Civil society organisations to make a last-ditch effort to get the bill changed Civil society organisations will be making a last-ditch effort to amend the Electoral Amendment Bill to address what they regard as its unconstitutional aspects, but with parliament’s home affairs committee had decided on most issues there seems little prospect of success at […]
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”. […]
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 […]