
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Electoral Amendment Bill into law.
The new changes outline the conditions that must be met before someone can run in national elections starting the next year.
The new legislation opens up slots in the National Assembly and provincial legislatures to independent candidates.
The Electoral Amendment Bill was found unlawful by the Constitutional Court after the New Nation Movement filed a legal challenge because it only permitted political parties to be represented in province and national legislatures.
Point of View with Phemelo Motene spoke to Mudzuli RakhivhaneBuild One SA (BOSA) Head of Candidate Recruitment, on their reaction the electoral amendment bill and how they plan to challenge it.
LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION:
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According to the Electoral Amendment Bill, the following notable measures will be featured in the bill:
- The requirements which must be met by persons who wish to be nominated as independent candidates;
- The inspection of copies of lists of independent candidates and accompanying documents;
- Provision for objections to independent candidates;
- The inclusion of a list of independent candidates entitled to contest elections;
- Requirement for the appointment of agents by independent candidates;
- Obligation for independent candidates to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct;
- A revised formula for the allocation of seats and their re-allocation in the event of vacated seats; and
- Stipulation for the Minister to establish the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel.
President Ramaphosa has said he is satisfied that the processes leading to the passing of the bill and that this is a significant milestone.
“The Electoral Amendment Bill marks a significant milestone in the evolution of our democracy by expanding electoral participation and widening the pool of leadership choice for the National Assembly and provincial legislatures.”
“The bill presents a development that can only enrich and sustain our growing constitutional democracy,” President Ramaphosa said.
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