Political Systems
On 11 June 2020, the Constitutional Court in a landmark judgement ruled that the Electoral Act is unconstitutional to the extent that it requires that adult citizens may stand for, be elected to the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures only through their membership of political parties. The ConCourt ruled that the Electoral Act be amended to allow adult individuals to stand for, be elected to the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures as independent candidates.
The Concourt ruling kicked off a process of electoral reform that had been in the public discourse for years but never implemented. A process of electoral reform will provide citizens with the opportunity to change the electoral system through their participation in the public process to amend the law.
My Vote Counts aims to advocate for an electoral system that ensures that elected representatives are held accountable and that every vote counts in the reassessment of South Africa’s electoral system. We aim to encourage public debate around electoral models. Lastly, we aim to build strong active communities that will participate in the electoral reform process.
You can read our submission to the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Electoral System here.
Relevant Resources
Electoral Amendment Bill [B1-2022]
Electoral Reform Indaba 2022 – Outcomes
Letter to Minister Motsoaledi regarding IEC Commissioner vacancy
Letter to IEC regarding IEC Commissioner vacancy
Letter to Parliament requesting opportunity to present on Electoral Amendment Bill
Letter to Parliament regarding grievances on Electoral Amendment Bill
