SAMNET calls on civil society and the public to submit their comments and proposals on electoral reform to the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel (ERCP) before 30 September 2024.

The electoral process is a fundamental right, and it is critical to the participation and inclusion of every citizen in determining the future of the country — our safety, our security, our welfare and our prosperity.

We call on our organisations, professionals and media to highlight this call for submissions urgently, and to educate the public on the issues and the opportunity it presents. We call on civil society and the legal fraternity to prepare collective submissions to improve the electoral process and its structures, so that elections are free, fair and reflective of citizens’ best interests.

What the Panel is asking

The ERCP invited written submissions from members of the public, from organisations including political parties, and from prospective independent candidates, on proposals for an electoral system for the National Assembly and the provincial legislatures. Submissions were asked to address why, how and whether the current South African electoral system should be reformed, changed or replaced. The Chairperson, Adv. Sizani, described the invitation as part of the Panel’s duty to undertake a public participation process on the matters within its functions.

The Panel is established under section 23 of the Electoral Amendment Act of 2023, promulgated in June 2023. Its mandate is to independently investigate, consult on, report on and make recommendations regarding potential reforms of the electoral system for the National Assembly and the provincial legislatures, in respect of the elections to be held after the 2024 elections.

Sources

The Electoral Reform Consultation Panel calls for public submissions — Department of Home Affairs.
The Panel is on X and Facebook.

Shared by the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) in the interest of inclusive and greater public participation in the electoral and legislative process.