Listen to episode 2 of our monthly show, Democracy Dissected on Radio 786. MVC’s Head of Communications, Sheilan Clarke chats to Letlhogonolo Letshele, My Vote Counts’ Electoral Systems Researcher and Lukhona Mnguni, Political Analyst about the Electoral Amendment Bill.
Over the years, electoral reform in South Africa has always been a hot topic of debate. And now, after 28 years since the dawn of democracy, we have an opportunity to align our electoral system to the Constitution and make it fairer. In 2020, the Constitutional Court ruled that the Electoral Act was unconstitutional as it denies independent candidates to stand for public office at a provincial and national level. It ordered Parliament 2 years to amend the Act which came to an end in June of this year, however, they were granted a further 6 months extension but Parliament still failed to make the changes. Many organisations including My Vote Counts have participated in this process; making submissions to the committee tasked with coming up with a new electoral system. At least 21 organisations have also raised concerns with Parliament about a flawed amendment process.
With the 2024 general election not too far away and the deadline for Parliament to conclude the process looming….What is the Electoral Amendment Bill and most importantly, what does it mean for the South African voter?
