SA public asked for input on whether electoral system needs to change
Headed by chairperson, Richard Sizani, the electoral reform panel is now calling on South Africans to make written submissions on why, how and whether the current electoral system should be reformed, changed or even replaced.
Ballot papers being handled by IEC officials on 29 May 2024 as South Africans queue to vote. Picture: Skhu Nkomphela/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - The public is being asked to give input on whether the country’s electoral system needs to change.
The panel appointed by the Home Affairs minister in May has very little time to make recommendations, having been given only a year from the last polls to do so.
Some civil society groups who don’t approve of the composition of the panel have already formed their own forum and have had discussions on what changes they think should be made.
The Home Affairs Department held two calls for nominations to serve on an electoral reform panel, both of which did not satisfy opposition parties in the previous Parliament.
They felt the panel lacked diversity in opinion, didn’t include new voices with fresh inputs on the subject or enough civil society representation.
The establishment of the panel was a concession government made in the Electoral Amendment Act after it was taken to court to allow the participation of independent candidates in national and provincial elections.
Headed by chairperson, Richard Sizani, the electoral reform panel is now calling on South Africans to make written submissions on why, how and whether the current electoral system should be reformed, changed or even replaced.
It will be followed by public hearings before a report is compiled for submission to the minister to table in Parliament.
Written submissions have to reach the panel by 30 September.