The Constitutional Court should soon be handing down its judgment in the New Nation Movement matter. If independent candidates are permitted to contest 2024 general elections, it will be a watershed moment in SA’s young democracy, writes Lindiwe Mazibuko
On the eve of last year’s polls, a little-known civil society organisation – the New Nation Movement – attempted to halt the elections in the Constitutional Court.
The case is the culmination of years of rumblings about electoral reform in South Africa. It is a matter that refuses to be silenced.A Constitutional Court order declaring certain provisions of the act unconstitutional and invalid will leave Parliament with no option but to adopt a new electoral model.
The tabled report, known as the Van Zyl Slabbert Report, recommended a new electoral system that “would align the electoral systems for all three spheres of government and … allow for independent candidates to participate in elections”.The Van Zyl Slabbert Report found that the existing system, based purely on party-based proportional representation, diminished accountability.
Like the Van Zyl Slabbert Report, since its tabling, nothing meaningful has been done to address or implement this recommendation. A judgment in NNM’s favour will see Parliament tasked with overhauling the electoral system and delivering a model that better aligns with our constitutional democracy. A hybrid electoral model will encourage accountability and transparency, and will stimulate stronger voter participation in our democracy.
The Apolitical Academy offers an annual intensive public leadership development and training programme to young candidates, especially women and political “outsiders”, who wish to transition into public service but lack the networks and personal development opportunities to do so on their own. They have a wide range of political ideologies and affiliations, but they all subscribe to the vision of excellence and ethical leadership.
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