Parliament, Sunday, 27 February 2022 –The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs will from Tuesday, 01 March 2022, hold a two-day virtual public hearing on the Electoral Amendment Bill [B1-2022]. The initial set of virtual hearings are derived from interest expressed from written submissions received by the committee.

“The committee received substantial written submissions on the Bill which we are hopeful will serve to strengthen our democratic dispensation. The electoral process represents one of the strongest pillars of our democratic order and the participation of South Africans in this process will ensure that the electoral process represents the views and aspirations of South Africans,” said Mr Mosa Chabane, the Chairperson of the committee.

Following the virtual public hearings, the committee will undertake nationwide hearings based on the committee’s long held view that an extensive and meaningful public consultation process is necessary to ensure that the amendments meet constitutional muster. Also, the Constitution in Sections 59(1)(a), 72(1)(a) and 118(1)(a)9 compel Parliament to undertake meaningful public participation, an obligation the committee hopes to meet with the adopted public hearings programme.

The committee further appreciates the interest shown by individuals and organisations in making contributions to the Bill. The interest displays the commitment the people of South Africa have in constantly improving our constitutional order.

The individuals and organisations that will give oral presentations during the virtual hearings include; the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, New Nation Movement, Independent Candidate Association, One South Africa Movement, OUTA and the Congress of South African Trade Unions. Following the virtual public hearings, the committee will undertake countrywide public hearings.

“We are hopeful that the people of South Africa will also show the same enthusiasm when the committee undertakes public hearings around the country. We therefore call for maximum participation to ensure that the Bill is representative of their views,” said Mr Chabane. The committee is cognisant that the public hearings will happen within the pervasive threat of Covid-19 and assures the people that every precaution will be taken to follow non-pharmaceutical interventions proposed by health experts and as guided by legal regulations.

Details of the Public hearings (Day 1)
Date: 01 March 2022
Time: 08:30
Venue: Virtual Platform


ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HOME AFFAIRS, MR MOSA CHABANE.


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