IEC postpones implementation of Political Party Funding Act

After receiving more than 5,000 submissions on the draft regulations relating to the implementation of the Political Party Funding Act, which was published for public comment on March 1, the Electoral Commission (IEC) has decided to postpone its implementation.

The IEC had previously indicated its intention to implement the Act in a phased approach over the next two to three years, starting from April 1.

According to the government news agency, due to the overwhelming response by stakeholders to the invitation to comment on the regulations, the commission determined that it would be in the interest of all stakeholders to allow further time for consultation and preparation ahead of the operationalising of the first aspects of the Act.

In an announcement made on Wednesday, the IEC said it was planning to hold public hearings into the regulations to allow stakeholders to make oral submissions. These will be scheduled after the May 8 elections.

Chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said in a statement: “The Political Party Funding Act is a vital addition to the electoral democracy landscape in our country. But being the first of its kind for South Africa, it is essential that adequate opportunity is provided for inputs from all stakeholders and that thorough preparations are in place to ensure the smooth implementation of the Act.”

He went on to state that the bulk of election-related activities by political parties were already well underway, so due to the fact that the Act was not retrospective, implementation of parts of the Act now was, therefore, unlikely to have a significant impact on this year’s elections.

“For this reason, the Commission decided that it would be prudent not to rush the implementation of a new and innovative piece of legislation and to rather allow for extensive consultation, planning and preparation by all affected stakeholders,” said Mamabolo.

The provisions of the current Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, 103 of 1997 remain valid until such time that the new Political Party Funding Act is promulgated.

READ NEXT: Manyi and leadership of ATM accused of money laundering

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.