IEC invite comments on proposed quantum of election deposits ahead of 2019
JOURG – The use of election deposits is common practice around the world as a way to balance the constitutional right to contest elections.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is inviting South Africans to comment on their proposed affiliation fee for political parties wanting to contest next year’s general elections.
The electoral body has published a notice inviting comment from interested stakeholders including members of the public on their proposed election deposits. Next year’s election will see citizens of the country voting for both their national and provincial governments in the seventh general elections since the dawn of democracy.
Kate Bapela, the spokesperson for the IEC, said the proposed election deposits were R200 000 for parties wishing to contest national elections and R45 000 for each provincial election contested.
The amounts are the same as those used in the 2014 national and provincial elections, she added.
“In terms of the proposal, a party contesting the national and all provincial elections will be required to deposit R605 000,” said Bapela.
“The use of election deposits is common practice around the world as a way to balance the constitutional right to contest elections with the need to obviate frivolity in the electoral contest.”
According to the electoral body, there are about 262 nationally registered parties and these parties will be in a position to contest elections next year.
Bapela, however, said this was subject to fulfilling the candidate nomination requirements and paying the prescribed election deposits.
She added that parties would receive their deposits back if they won a seat in the National Assembly and or provincial legislature.
“Any money from deposits forfeited accrues to the National Revenue Fund.”
Twenty-nine political parties contested the national election in 2014 and according to the IEC, 13 won seats in the National Assembly.
Stakeholders who wish to comment on the election deposits are advised to email their comments to deposits@elections.org.za or deliver written comments to the IEC’s offices based in Centurion.
The closing date for the submission of comments is 26 October.
Details: Kate Bapela on 082 600 6386.
Are you a new political party and will be contesting the 2019 general elections? Tell us by emailing thaboj@caxton.co.za
