Nomination & Election Procedure
Sectoral and geographic representation models shall be applied respectively considering the dynamics of each cluster or ward.
I. NOMINATION PROCEDURE
a. Nomination forms must be completed and submitted two weeks before the elections.
b. Notwithstanding subparagraph a. above, nominations will be allowed from the floor on the day of the elections.
c. In the event that a candidate is elected through a nomination allowed from the floor as in b. above, and it is found that such a candidate does not comply with the qualification criteria set in paragraph 6 of this Bylaw, such a candidate will be automatically removed due to noncompliance and replaced by the next in line nominee with the most votes received.
II ELECTION PROCEDURE:
7.1 Hybrid (Sectoral and Geographic) election model: Identification of Interest Groups
a. The Office of the Speaker, in consultation with the Ward Councillor identifies the key performance areas of each ward, for example local economic development and basic services. The list of key areas of interest provided for under “Composition of Ward Committees” may be used for this purpose;
b. The Council identifies the geographical area or villages or clusters of farms that will represent an equitable spread of the residents in the ward;
c. The council invites interest groups to state their interest in and concern with any of the key performance areas;
d. The council identifies the groups that have a demonstrable interest in any of the key performance areas and represent residents of the area; and
e. The council identifies the clusters of interest groups (no more than ten) that qualify for election.
7.1.1 Elections shall take place as follows: Option1 – within the ward a. The Ward Councillor calls a meeting in the ward for the election of a Ward
Committee;
b. Only residents who are registered voters may vote at the meeting; c. In each cluster, identified groups nominate a representative;
d. The meeting votes by majority (50% plus one) for a representative of that cluster. If no one obtains the majority the three candidates who received the
most votes proceed to the next round.
7.1.2. Election shall take place as follows: Option 1-within the ward
a. The Ward Councillor calls a meeting in the ward for the election of a Ward Committee.
b. Only residents who are registered voters may vote at the meeting.
c. Each geographical area or village or cluster of farms nominates representatives (maximum of three).
d. The meeting votes by majority (50% plus one) for a representative of each village, geographical area or cluster of farms.
7.1.3. Election shall take place as follows: Option 2-within the council
a. The Municipal Council calls a meeting of all Councillors for the election of Ward Committees to which all residents have been invited to attend.
b. All councillors are entitled to vote at the meeting.
c. Each geographical area, village or cluster of farms will nominate a representative.
d. The meeting votes by majority (50% plus one) for a representative of each geographical area, village or cluster of farms.
e. Voting may take place by a majority show of hands or formal ballot.
f. In wards where communities or structures are known to be highly politicised, a formal ballot process shall be followed.
g. The election process shall be co-ordinated by the administrative division of the Municipality, through the Public Participation Strategic Business Unit
and/or with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) with the consent of the Municipal Council.
7.3 The following election procedures are proposed:
a. The Ward Councillor and office of the Speaker must co-ordinate a schedule of meetings for election purposes.
b. The Ward Councillor and administrative assistant must ensure that:
(i) Women are equitably represented.
(ii) Meetings are fully representative of almost all sections, villages or stakeholders within the ward.
(iii) Although no quorum for the elections is required, an attendance register shall be completed.
(iv) All people taking part are registered voters of that ward.
Read the full law here: ADOPTED DRAFT WARD COMMITTEES BY-LAW 2016
