Policy analyst Nkosikhulule Nyembezi says there are justifiable expectations to see the report and recommendations aimed at reforming the country’s electoral system.
The Electoral Reform Consultation Panel has concluded the process of receiving public submissions on the proposals to change the current closed-list electoral system to a constituency-based system.
The panel is expected to submit its report to the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, before the end of May 2025.
Nyembezi says the envisaged reinvigoration of the country’s electoral system will go a long way in keeping politicians on their toes at all times.
“There are good reasons to look forward to the panel recommendations, especially because South Africans are voting in a manner that demonstrates that we no longer want a single-party dominance in our legislatures. We hope also that the recommendations will feed into the national dialogue that is much anticipated in a way that demonstrates that the right to stand for public office belongs to individual South African citizens and not just to political parties. One other issue to look forward to has to do with political party funding which is so pervasive in these days in light of corruption accusations.”
Meanwhile, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) says it looks forward to seeing the report next year.
Parliamentary Engagement and Research Manager at OUTA, Dr Rachel Fischer says: “The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse strongly supports electoral reform aimed at strengthening democracy in South Africa. OUTA’s vision aligns with the guiding principles articulated in the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel discussion which emphasises inclusivity, fairness, accountability as well as transparency. Electoral Reform is the pivotal opportunity to redesign South Africa’s electoral system for a fair inclusion of independent candidates.”
