Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Eyaaz
Published on 2024-02-27 14:00:00
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has announced the final timetable for the upcoming national and provincial elections scheduled for 29 May. In response to complaints from new and smaller parties, the IEC has stood firm on the set timeline and registration requirements.
The timetable includes an 8 March deadline for independent candidates and new parties not in parliament to register. However, several political parties expressed concerns over the signature requirements, election timetable, and other registration processes. The parties, including African Congress for Transformation, African Transformation Movement, and others, urged the IEC to reconsider and extend the deadline to facilitate a more inclusive electoral process.
One of the main concerns raised by the parties was the difficulty faced by new political parties in collecting signatures and ID numbers, which they believed created a significant barrier to entry. They also questioned the compliance of the requirements with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and requested a review of the registration processes.
In response, the IEC leadership dismissed the complaints, stating that the parties were aware of the requirements and that the election date had been declared. The IEC emphasized that the timetable was non-negotiable and that the process had been well-communicated.
While some parties outside parliament supported the decision, others, including those involved in the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa coalition, continued to work on securing signatures. The registration process includes a cut-off date on 8 March for parties and candidates to meet all requirements for registration. The IEC will then verify nominations and address non-compliance issues before finalizing candidate lists.
Despite the challenges faced by new parties in meeting the registration requirements, some parties, like the United Independent Movement (UIM), viewed the process positively. UIM president Neil De Beer welcomed the registration process as an opportunity to connect with voters and boost their campaign.
Overall, the announcement of the election timetable has sparked mixed reactions among political parties, with some welcoming the clarity and others expressing concerns about the challenges faced by new and smaller parties. As the registration process continues, parties will need to navigate the requirements set by the IEC to participate in the upcoming elections on 29 May.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
