A setback for independent candidates wanting to contest an election.
That’s how the civic group, My Vote Counts, has described the Electoral Amendment Bill in its current form.
It was passed in the National Assembly yesterday with 232 votes to 98.
“So, this is really a missed opportunity because what we are seeing here is not really hybrid. It’s been forced to contest the PR which makes it difficult.”
The ANC and EFF gave the bill their support, while the DA and IFP did not approve it.
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Civil society groups such as Defend Our Democracy, Casac and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation had called for the bill to be rejected in its current form calling saying it presents a huge disadvantage and isn’t fair to independent political candidates.
It now heads to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.
Letlhogonolo Letshele, who is with My Vote Counts, says they are disappeared
“I think it’s something we can take on post-2024 but now we are under so much pressure because of the elections are that upcoming and we need to get on with things.”