IEC denies election skewed in favour of existing political parties
The Independent Electoral Commission has refuted allegations that it is making it too difficult for new parties to compete in this year's election.
This comes after Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane accused the IEC of setting up many rules to disadvantage newcomers.
Last month, the Constitutional Court dismissed Bosa's challenge to the Electoral Amendment Act.
The newly formed Labour Party of South Africa, which has its roots in the labour union Amcu, also announced it’s taking the IEC to court to seek an extension to the 8 March candidate list submission deadline.
Speaking at a press briefing in Johannesburg, the party’s interim leader, Joseph Mathunjwa, said the process of uploading the more than 60,000 signatures required of newcomer parties is an unfair logistical burden.
New entrants must submit 60,000 signatures, while all parties are expected to pay an election deposit of R750,000.
IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Shiburi says Parliament is responsible for drafting the laws, and the commission merely implements the legislation.
"The commission is a creature of statute. In other words, we don't make the laws; we only exercise powers that are in the law. We don't make the law, but the parliament make the laws.
"The requirements for parties to contest are determined in terms of the Electoral Act passed by Parliament, and that has been like that since June 2023. We don't make the rules but only implement those rules."
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