Ramaphosa signs Electoral Amendment Bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Electoral Amendment Bill, the Presidency announced on Monday.
The bill will allow independent candidates to stand in provincial and national elections in 2024.
In June 2020, Constitutional Court found the Electoral Act constitutionally invalid due to the fact that it prevents independent candidates to stand for political office, in a case was brought by the New Nation Movement.
In October last year the National Assembly adopted the Electoral Amendment Bill, and the bill was sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa for signing into law.
Home Affairs Minister will now have to establish the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel within four months of gazetting the amendments.
The panel will make non-binding recommendations on potential reforms of the electoral system for future elections of the National Assembly and the provincial legislatures after the 2024 polls.
“The Electoral Amendment Bill marks a significant milestone in the evolution of our democracy by expanding electoral participation and widening the pool of leadership choice for the National Assembly and provincial legislatures,” said Ramaphosa.
"The bill presents a development that can only enrich and sustain our growing constitutional democracy.”
Notable measures that feature in the bill includes the requirements which must be met by persons who wish to be nominated as independent candidates, the inspection of copies of lists of independent candidates and accompanying documents.
The bill has come in for harsh criticism from civil society organisations, with complaints that it will make it nearly impossible for independents to stand alone, win elections and ultimately represent their communities.
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