Parliament, Thursday, 16 March 2022 – The residents of Mafikeng and surrounding areas in the North West province have welcomed the proposed changes to the Electoral Amendment Bill saying it is a positive sign of a maturing democracy.
During today’s public hearings on the Electoral Amendment Bill the residents told the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs that the proposed changes in the electoral system must happen in a fair manner which will not disadvantage any South African citizen.
They said by allowing independent candidates to contest elections without representing political parties was a recognition of a citizen’s right not to associate with an organisation.
While others suggested that the proposed deposit fee to be paid by candidates must be reasonable in order not to disadvantage people, there was also a feeling that the clause proposing a deposit must be deleted from the draft Bill.
They also proposed qualification criteria which should include clear vetting and screening processes that will ensure candidates had no criminal record as well as a matric pass as the minimum education level.
The Bill seeks to introduce amendments to the Electoral Act 73 of 1998 after the Constitutional Court ruled that it was unconstitutional for not allowing independent candidates to contest elections to the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. The court gave Parliament 24 months to remedy the defect.
Other residents who made submissions told the committee that the changes in the electoral system should also look into the possibility of introducing electronic voting as the world moves towards embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The committee also noted concerns from members of the community that Parliament needs to improve its public education and awareness campaigns to make sure members of the public are properly informed about the draft legislation.
Committee Chairperson Mr Mosa Chabane said the committee was pleased with the number and quality of submissions made since the beginning of the public consultation process earlier this year.
Tomorrow the committee will hold public hearings in the Mamusa Local Municipality:
Details of the hearings:
Date: Friday, 18 March 2022
Time: 10:00
Venue: Ipelegeng Multipurpose Sports Centre (Schweizer-Reneke)
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HOME AFFAIRS, MR MOSA CHABANE.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson of the Committee, please contact:
Name: Sakhile Mokoena
Cell: 081 705 2130
Email: smokoena@parliament.gov.za
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