ActionSA will meet the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Electoral Court to defend its position to submit single-candidate lists for proportional representation (PR) seats in the November polls. The party's national chairperson, Michael Beaumont, accused the DA of hypocrisy in challenging this decision, pointing out that the DA itself has only submitted one name on its PR lists for at least 13 municipalities. The DA launched an application in the Electoral Court, challenging four parties for submitting single-candidate lists, arguing they are deceiving voters and subverting electoral laws.
The DA's challenge is against ActionSA, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, and Good Party, which have all submitted single-candidate lists. The DA argued that these parties are using a loophole in the law to undermine democracy and violate the constitutional rights of voters. However, Beaumont said the provision allowing for the supplementation of lists exists in law and has been used by multiple parties, including the DA, in previous elections.
ActionSA plans to populate its PR lists after the elections with its ward candidates who don’t get elected but still put up a significant electoral performance. Beaumont said the DA is seeking to grab seats from political parties by invalidating list supplementation laws. The party will challenge the DA's application in court, welcoming the opportunity to reveal to the South African people the DA's motives.
The Electoral Court will hear the DA's application, which seeks to clarify whether legal provisions related to the supplementation of party lists after an election are allowed to be used by political parties. The court's decision could have significant implications for the upcoming municipal elections. The DA said it is not trying to disenfranchise voters but rather to ensure that parties comply with electoral laws.
The challenge is part of a broader dispute over the use of PR lists in the municipal elections. The African National Congress (ANC) has also been involved in a dispute over its candidates, with the party recently losing a bid to have 181 candidates included in the November polls. The ANC is set to appeal the decision to the Constitutional Court.
The municipal elections are set to take place in November, with political parties expected to sign the IEC Code of Conduct ahead of the polls. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has been working to ensure that parties comply with electoral laws and regulations. The outcome of the Electoral Court's decision could have significant implications for the elections.
The dispute between ActionSA and the DA highlights the complexities of South Africa's electoral system and the challenges of ensuring that parties comply with laws and regulations. The court's decision will be closely watched by political parties, voters, and observers. ActionSA is determined to defend its position and ensure that its PR lists are valid.
Key points
- ActionSA to defend its position to submit single-candidate PR lists against DA challenge in Electoral Court
- DA challenges four parties for submitting single-candidate lists, arguing they undermine democracy
- Court's decision could have significant implications for the upcoming municipal elections
