The South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed the 29 of May 2024 as being the election date but this year there is a slight change. Voters will mark three ballot papers as opposed to two like the previous years.
In a press statement made by Michael Hendrickse, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) provincial officer explains how voters will go about it.
“Previously there were two paper ballots which were the provincial ballot and the national ballot, this year the regional ballot has been added” Hendrickse stated
The approval of a third ballot paper in South Africa for the upcoming election is a significant move. This year, voters will receive three ballot papers instead of the usual two. The third ballot paper concerns regional seats in the National Assembly. This move is the result of the electoral modification legislation, which permits independent candidates to run for legislative seats in the national assembly.
The 400 seats in the National Assembly will be filled with 200 set aside for regional seats, and each province will be assigned a number of regional MPs based on its voter population. Independents and parties will compete for these regional seats. The rest of the 200 seats left in the National Assembly will be filled entirely through political party lists. This measure aims to provide voters with more options while also improving the democratic process in South Africa.
Hendricks also urged South Africans to register “Citizens of South Africa who are not yet registered or updated their registration information, such as changing their address, must do so via the online voter portal at www.elections.org.za or at IEC offices during business hours.”
According to experts, this is a game changer in South African politics, it will not only be a steppingstone for independent candidates to contest with political parties for more inclusivity, but it creates a complex sphere for voters, especially those who are only used to two ballots from the previous elections. This will also bring challenges to the IEC as it will experience difficulties in producing the increased quantity of ballot papers due to the inclusion of new political parties and independent candidates. “The IEC estimates printing over 105 million ballot papers for the next elections, which is a huge increase from prior elections.” Said IEC deputy chief electoral officer Masego Sheburi.
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