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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Civil Society agrees on next steps to change electoral system before 2024 elections
Joint Statement by civil society organisations This past Friday, 27 May 2022, a large cohort of civil society organisations held a roundtable discussion to deliberate and decide on a collective approach to the Electoral Amendment Bill currently before Parliament. This gathering took place just two weeks ahead of the 11 June 2022 deadline set by […]
OPINION | Mudzuli Rakhivhane: Draft electoral bill can change SA’s democracy, but has 4 key flaws
Parliament is currently considering what is arguably the single most important piece of legislation before it since the dawn of democracy, writes One South Africa Movement’s Mudzuli Rakhivhane. The One South Africa Movement (OSA) believes strongly in the ability of independent candidates of all races, classes, and genders to act as agents of significant change […]
Parliament fails again, putting party ahead of country in electoral reform bill
Hot in the Kitchen Much? Three months to go: MPs’ last-minute rush to meet Concourt deadline torpedoes public participation Parliament’s public hearings on the crucial Electoral Amendment Bill were more of a public relations exercise than responsible action in the public interest. What should have been a thoughtful consultation across the country about how independent […]
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 […]
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 […]