Have your say about having your say: Electoral Reform in South Africa

The Electoral Reform Consultation Panel (ERCP) is inviting public and organizational input, including from political parties and prospective independent candidates, on proposals for a new electoral system for South Africa's National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures. 
The ERCP was established under the Electoral Amendment Act of 2023 to assess and propose reforms for South Africa's electoral system. Its mandate involves investigating the current system used for electing members to the National Assembly and provincial legislatures, consulting with the public, and making recommendations for potential reforms. The ERCP's work focuses on elections beyond 2024, aiming to improve fairness, inclusivity, and representation in the democratic process. The panel operates independently and must submit reports every three months, ultimately delivering its findings and recommendations within 12 months of the 2024 elections
The closing date for submissions is 31 October 2024, and your submission should address whether and how the current system should be reformed or replaced. Established by the Electoral Amendment Act of 2023, the ERCP’s mandate is to independently investigate and make recommendations for electoral reforms to be implemented after the 2024 elections. The panel, chaired by Adv. Richard Sizani, consists of experts in law, public service, and election administration. It will deliver its report, guided by principles like inclusivity, fairness, and accountability, by May 2025.

In a democracy the people have the power, that means that your voice and your opinion is important. By ignoring this issue, the idea of public participation in South Africa might suffer, as government sees that ignoring the people’s voice has no real repercussions. Have your voice be heard, for democracy, and for the future of our country.