Election rules favour parties in Parliament - Maimane
Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane believes the rules put in place for this year's general elections are designed to suit parties already represented in Parliament.
"Obviously, like any South African, we are deeply concerned about the way the rules have been made to suit parties that are represented in Parliament. The IEC has dragged its feet on issues that speak to signature provisions, issues that we have taken them to the Constitutional Court on, and now the ConCourt is saying they will only hear those issues after the election,” said Maimane.
The Independent Electoral Commission published the election timetable for the 2024 general elections on Monday.
The IEC announced the timetable for the 29 May election, with the 4 March being the final day for submission of nomination documents.
The timetable outlined all the key cut-off times and dates for performing electoral activities.
Voters will have three ballot papers for the first time due to the participation of independent candidates.
The number of registered South Africans at home and abroad now sits at 27.6 million.
The IEC will publish the final lists of candidates on 10 April, and thereafter, certificates of candidature will be issued to certified candidates on 12 April.
Briefing the media in Pretoria on Monday, Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the deadline for party and independent candidates to submit nominations is 8 March.
"All independent candidates and political parties who intend to contest this general election must submit nomination requirements by 17:00 on 8 March. The Electoral Commission will, after verifying the submitted nomination documents, issue notices on non-compliance where such are warranted.
"These notices will be issued on 18 March, and those issued with such notices must rectify non-compliance by 20 March. As it pertains to contestants, the timetable is equally crucial in that it contains key dates to be complied with relating to the nomination of candidates and the payment of prescribed deposits."
Maimane said this year's election must be free and fair, and there is a need for South Africans to guard against any form of vote rigging.
"We want a free and fair election that's without confusion. Already, all the allegations that are taking place, saying that elections are not going to be free and fair and that there is potential rigging of the elections. We have to safeguard ourselves against that as South Africans to make sure that ultimately when people go vote, the will of the people is expressed at the ballot."
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