Passing of the Electoral Amendment Bill in the National Assembly
20 October 2022
The ANC Parliamentary Caucus supports the passing of the Electoral Amendment Bill in the National Assembly (NA) this afternoon. Pursuant to the Constitutional Court ruling in June 2020, Parliament was tasked to review the electoral system to allow independent candidates to run for political office.
Allowing individuals to contest elections broadens the options for people to choose their public representatives, and we believe the inclusion of independent candidates serves to strengthen our democracy.
While we acknowledge concerns raised regarding the required percentage of signatures needed by independent candidates indicating support, it must be noted that the Electoral Amendment Bill primarily deals with the Constitutional Court judgment, which was only about independent candidates being allowed to contest elections.
The Bill will go to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) after it has been passed by the NA. The NCOP will conduct further public consultation, and we advise parties that seek to influence the Bill can still do so.