The GOOD Party has asked its legal team to review the candidacy of Helen Zille for the Johannesburg mayoral position, citing concerns over her residency status. According to the party, Zille's registration in Johannesburg may not comply with the Electoral Act's requirements. GOOD secretary-general Brett Herron stated that the party's review of the legislation had raised questions about the lawfulness of Zille's registration.
The GOOD Party's concerns center around sections 7(3) and 8(3) of the Electoral Act, which define ordinary residence and require voter registration in the ward where they are ordinarily resident. Herron pointed out that Zille has made her home in Cape Town for over 40 years and has publically stated that her husband, his church, and their retirement village are in Cape Town. The party argues that Zille's presence in Johannesburg appears to be a temporary absence from Cape Town, where she ordinarily resides.
The GOOD Party is not the only entity challenging Zille's candidacy, as the party is also defending its PR list in the Electoral Court against a challenge by the DA. The DA had challenged the lists submitted by GOOD, ActionSA, the EFF, and MK. GOOD stated that its PR list, containing one named candidate in each of the 25 municipalities it is contesting, complies with the law and was certified by the IEC.
According to the GOOD Party, the Municipal Electoral Act and the Municipal Structures Act do not prescribe a minimum number of names on a party list. The party stated that the Municipal Structures Act provides that where a party wins more seats than it has names on its list, the IEC must notify the party and ask it to add eligible candidates within two days. This process allows parties to reward ward candidates who drew strong support and match expertise to responsibilities.
The GOOD Party also pointed out that the DA had filed single-name lists in 12 municipalities, raising questions about the consistency of the DA's application. Herron stated that the party's lists were permissible and that the IEC had been consulted in writing before the lists were submitted. The party will defend its lists in court, arguing that they comply with the law as written.
The IEC has been approached for comment on the matter, but no response has been received yet. If the GOOD Party's legal team advises that Zille's candidacy is unlawful, the party will challenge it in the appropriate legal forum. The party's actions reflect a broader debate about the interpretation of electoral laws and the eligibility of candidates.
The dispute over Zille's candidacy and the GOOD Party's PR list highlights the complexities of electoral law and the importance of clear guidelines. As the matter unfolds, it will be closely watched by stakeholders and voters in Johannesburg. The outcome could have implications for the city's mayoral election and the broader electoral process.
Key points
- The GOOD Party has raised concerns over Helen Zille's residency status for her Johannesburg mayoral candidacy.
- The party argues that Zille's presence in Johannesburg appears to be a temporary absence from Cape Town, where she ordinarily resides.
- The GOOD Party is also defending its PR list in the Electoral Court against a challenge by the DA.
