Electoral Laws Amendment Act
This section says the Act applies to elections of the National Assembly and provincial legislatures, and to municipal council elections or by-elections only to the extent set out in the Local Government Act, 2000.
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- South Africa
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- Act or statute
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- Act 34 of 2003
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This section says the Act applies to elections of the National Assembly and provincial legislatures, and to municipal council elections or by-elections only to the extent set out in the Local Government Act, 2000. People aged 16 or older may apply for registration, but their name can be added to the voters’ roll only after they turn 18. Heading for section 4 of Act No. 34 of 2003, noting an amendment of section 7 of Act 73 of 1998. A voter-registration applicant must apply in the prescribed manner and only in the voting district where they ordinarily live. The chief electoral officer must register eligible applicants as voters, and must not register people who fail the listed requirements or exceptions. A person’s name may be entered only in the voting district where that person ordinarily lives.
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Provisions of Electoral Laws Amendment Act
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- 1 Verify source ↗
The following section is hereby substituted for section 3 of the Electoral Act, 1998:
This section says the Act applies to elections of the National Assembly and provincial legislatures, and to municipal council elections or by-elections only to the extent set out in the Local Government Act, 2000.
1. The following section is hereby substituted for section 3 of the Electoral Act, 1998: “Application of Act [(b) election] 3. (1) This Act applies to every [(a)] election of the National Assembly of a provincial legislature. [ and (c)] ( 2 ) This Act applies to an election of a municipal council or a by-election forsuch council only to the extent stated in the Local Government: Act, 2000 (Act No. 27 of 2000).”. Municipal Electoral 5 10 Amendment of section 6 of Act 73 of 1998 - 2 Verify source ↗
Section 6 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the insertion after
People aged 16 or older may apply for registration, but their name can be added to the voters’ roll only after they turn 18.
2. Section 6 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the insertion after subsection (1) of the following subsection: “(IA) A person of 16 years or older may apply for registration but, if the application is successful, the applicant’s name may only be placed on the voters’ 15 roll once the applicant reaches the age of 18 years,”. - 4 Verify source ↗
No. 25681
Heading for section 4 of Act No. 34 of 2003, noting an amendment of section 7 of Act 73 of 1998.
4 No. 25681 GOVERNMENT GAZETIE, 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT, 2003 Amendment of section 7 of Act 73 of 1998, as amended by section 93 of Act 27 of 2000 - 3 Verify source ↗
Section 7 o € the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution for
A voter-registration applicant must apply in the prescribed manner and only in the voting district where they ordinarily live.
3. Section 7 o € the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsections (1) and (2) of the following subsections: “(1) A person applying for registration as a. voter must do so [(a)] in the prescribed manner [; and (b) only for the voting district in which that person is ordinarily resident.]. (2) [For the purposes of this section the] The head office in the Republic of a person referred to in section [33(l)(u)(ii)] 33( l ) o is regarded as the ordinary place of residence of that person or a member of that person’s household.”. 5 10 Substitution of section 8 of Act 73 of 1998 - 4 Verify source ↗
The following section is hereby substituted for section 8 of the Electoral Act, 1998:
The chief electoral officer must register eligible applicants as voters, and must not register people who fail the listed requirements or exceptions. A person’s name may be entered only in the voting district where that person ordinarily lives.
4. The following section is hereby substituted for section 8 of the Electoral Act, 1998: “Registration 8. (1) If satisfied that a person’s application for registration complies with this Act, and that the person is a South African citizen and is at least 18 15 years of age, the chief electoral officer must register that person as a voter by making the requisite entries in the voters’ roll. ( 2 ) The chief electoral officer may not register a person as a voter if that person- (a) has applied for registration fraudulently or otherwise than in the 20 prescribed manner; [(b) is not a South African citizen;] (c) has been declared by the High Court to be of unsound mind or mentally disordered; (d) is detained under the Mental Health Act, 1973 (Act No. 18 of 1973); or 25 [(e) is not ordinarily resident in the voting district for which that person has applied for registration.] If) is serving a sentence of imprisonment without the option of a fine. (3) Aperson’s name [may not] must be entered in the voters’ roll only for [more than one voting district] the voting district in which that person is 30 ordinarily resident and for no other voting district.”. Amendment of section 16 of Act 73 of 1998 - 5 Verify source ↗
Section 16 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the addition of the
The chief electoral officer must provide voters’ roll copies with voter addresses to registered political parties contesting elections, if the prescribed fee is paid and the addresses are available. The voters’ roll may be used only for election purposes; other use is an offence punishable by a fine, imprisonment up to one year, or both.
5. Section 16 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the addition of the following subsections: “(3) Notwithstanding subsection ( 2 ) , the chief electoral officer must, on payment of the prescribed fee, provide copies of the voters’ roll, or a segment thereof, which includes the addresses of voters, where such addresses are available, to all registered political parties contesting the elections. (4) The voters’ roll with addresses referred to in subsection (3) may only be used by political parties for election purposes and anyone using such voters’ roll for other purposes is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both a fine and such imprisonment.”. Repeal of section 19 of Act 73 of 1995 - 6 Verify source ↗
Section 19
This section repeals section 19 of the Electoral Act, 1998 and inserts sections 24A and 24B into Act 73 of 1998.
6. Section 19 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby repealed. Insertion of sections 24A and 24B in Act 73 of 1998 - 7 Verify source ↗
The following sections are hereby inserted in the IZlectoral Act, 1998, after section
This provision lets certain unregistered voters submit documents to the presiding officer and be treated as registered for the election, and it limits voting by prisoners.
7. The following sections are hereby inserted in the IZlectoral Act, 1998, after section 24: 3.5 40 4.5 6 No. 25687 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT. 2003 “Voting in voting district where not registered 24A. (1) A person whose name does not appear on the certified segment of the voters’ roll for a voting district and who applied for registration as a voter before the date the election was proclaimed may submit to the presiding officer of the voting station for that voting district- (a) his or her identity document; ( b ) a sworn or solemnly affirmed statement in the prescribed form containing- (i) his or her full name, identity number and date of birth; (ii) his or her finger print; (iii) (iv) the address where he or she ordinarily resides; a declaration that he or she applied for registration as a voter before the date of publication of the proclamation proclaiming the election; a request that his or her name should be included in the certified segment of the voters’ roll for that voting district for the purposes of the election for the National Assembly and also for the purposes of the election for the provincial legislature if he or she had so applied for registration in the province in which that voting district is situated; and a declaration that he or she i s a South African citizen, is 18 years of age or older and is not disqualified from voting in the election in question; and (v) (vi) (c) proof that he or she applied for registration as a voter before the date of publication of the proclamation. (2) If the presiding officer is satisfied that the contents of the statement are correct- (a) the presiding officer must make an endorsement to that effect on the statement; and 5 10 15 20 25 (b) the person making the request contemplated in subsection (l)(b)(v) must be regarded as having been registered as a voter on the certified segment of the voters’ roll for the voting district requested for the purposes of the election for the National Assembly and also for the purposes of the election for the provincial legislature if that person had applied for registration in the province where that voting station is situated. 30 35 Prisoners 24B. (1) In an election for the National Assembly or a provincial legislature, a person who on election day is in prison and not serving a sentence of imprisonment without the option of a fine and whose name appears on the voters’ roll for another voting district, is deemed for that election day to have been registered by his or her name having been entered on the voters’ roll for the voting district in which he or she is in prison. (2) A person who is in prison on election day may only vote if he or she is not serving a sentence of imprisonment without the option of a fine.” 40 45 Repeal of section 32 of Act 73 of 1998 - 8 Verify source ↗
Section 32 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby repealed.
Section 32 of the Electoral Act, 1998 is repealed.
8. Section 32 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby repealed. 8 No. 25687 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT, 2003 Amendment of section 33 of Act 73 of 1998 - 9 Verify source ↗
Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution for
The Commission must let a person apply for a special vote if the person cannot vote at their registered voting station for the stated reasons, and it may prescribe additional categories of eligible applicants.
9. Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsection (1) ofthe following subsection: “( 1) The Commission [(a)] must allow a person to apply for a special vote if that person cannot vote at a voting station in the voting district in which the person is registered as a voter, due to that person’s- [(i)] @J [(ii)] - (b) absence from the Republic on Government service or membership of the physical infirmity or disability, or pregnancy; 5 [(iii)] (cJ @J household of the person so being absent; [or] absence from that voting district while serving as an officer in election concerned[,]; or [while] being on duty as a member of the security services in connection with the election. the 10 [(b) may prescribe other categories of persons who may apply for special votes.] 15 Substitution of section 36 of Act 73 of 1998 - 10 Verify source ↗
The following section is hereby substituted for section 36 of the Electoral Act,
The Commission sets voting hours, voting stations normally open at 07:00 and close at 21:00, and people cannot vote before opening or after closing.
10. The following section is hereby substituted for section 36 of the Electoral Act, 1998: “Hours of voting 36. (1) [By not later than the relevant date stated in the election 20 timetable, the Commission must prescribe the voting hours for an election.] Unless the Commission deternlines other voting hours for an election in general or for a particular voting station, a voting station must- ( a ) open for voting at 07:OO; and ( b ) remain open for voting until 21:00, at which time it must close for 25 voting. ( 2 ) [If it is necessary for ensuring a free and fair election, the Commission may prescribe different voting hours for different voting stations]. If the Commission determines other voting hours for an election in general or for a particular voting station, the chief electoral officer must 30 widely publicise the determined voting hours. (3) [The chief electoral officer must publish the prescribed voting so as to ensure wide hours in the media considered appropriate publicity of those hours.] No person may be admitted to a voting station for the purpose of voting, before the voting station has opened for voting or 35 after the voting station has closed for voting, [(4) A voting station must - (a) open for voting at the prescribed time; and (b) subject to subsection (7)(b), remain open for voting until the prescribed time, or such later time as the Commission may determine in terms of subsection (7)(u). 40 (5) No person may be admitted to a voting station for the purpose of voting after the voting station has closed for voting.] (6) Voting at a voting station must continue until every voter has voted who- (a) is entitled to vote at that voting station; and 45 10 No. 25687 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT, 2003 (6) [had] has reported for voting at that voting station [at the time prescribed for that voting closing time. station to close for voting] before the (7) To ensure [a] free and fair [election] elections, the Commission may, on the voting day - ( a ) [on the voting day, may] extend voting hours at a voting station until .5 as late as midnight on that voting day; or ( 6 ) [may] temporarily close a voting station for part of voting day if it is temporarily impossible to conduct a free and fair election at that voting station.”. 10 Amendment of section 38 of Act 73 of 1998 - 11 Verify source ↗
Section 38(.5) of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the insertion after
This provision amends section 38(.5) of the Electoral Act to add a rule requiring a voter’s identity document to be marked in the prescribed manner.
11. Section 38(.5) of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the insertion after paragraph ( a ) of the following paragraph: “(aA) mark the voter’s identity document in the prescribed manner;”. Substitution of section 39 of Act 73 of 1998 1.5 - 12 Verify source ↗
The following section is hereby substituted for section 39 of the Electoral Act,
Presiding officers or voting officers must help voters who cannot read, and a person may help a voter if the voter has a physical disability and asks for that help, subject to age and impartiality conditions.
12. The following section is hereby substituted for section 39 of the Electoral Act, 1998: “Assistance to certain voters 39. (1) The presiding officer or a voting officer, at the request of a voter who is unable to read, must assist that voter in voting in the presence of - 20 (a) a person appointed in terms of section 85 by an accredited observer, if available; and ( b ) two agents from different parties, if available. (2) A person may assist a voter in voting if- ( a ) the voter requires assistance due to a physical disability, including 2.5 blindness or other visual impairment; ( 6 ) the voter has requested to be assisted by that person; and (c) the presiding officer is satisfied that [that] the person rendering assistance has attained the age of 18 years and is not an agent or a candidate. (3) The secrecy of voting contemplated .in section 38 must be preserved 30 as far as possible in the application of this section.”. Amendment of section 55 of Act 73 of 1998 - 13 Verify source ↗
Section 5.5 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution for
Any interested party may lodge an objection with the Commission if it is material to the final result of the election.
13. Section 5.5 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsection: subsection (1) of the following “( 1) [Despite Parts 1 to 3 of this Chapter, any interested party may make an objection concerning any aspect of an election that is material to the final result of the election.] Any interested party may lodge with the Commission an objection that is material to the determination of the final result of the election, in respect of proceedings provided for in- (a) Part 1 of Chapter 4 concerning voting; and (b) Parts 2 and 3 of Chapter 4 concerning the counting of votes.”. 3.5 40 Amendment of section 56 of Act 73 of 1998 - 14 Verify source ↗
Section 56 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution for
At a voting station, votes cast for a registered party or candidate must be deducted in whole or in part from that party’s or candidate’s votes in the election.
14. Section 56 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution for paragraph (bj of the following “(b) that the votes cast in favour of a registered party [or candidate] at a particular voting station must be deducted in whole or in part from the votes cast in favour of that registered party [or candidate] in that election.”. paragraph: 45 12 No. 25687 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT, 2003 Insertion of Part 6 in Chapter 4 of Act 73 of 1998 - 15 Verify source ↗
The following part is hereby inserted in Chapter 4 of the Electoral Act, 1998, after
This section inserts a new Part 6 into Chapter 4 of the Electoral Act, 1998, dealing with the electoral system.
15. The following part is hereby inserted in Chapter 4 of the Electoral Act, 1998, after Part 5: “Part 6: electoral system System of representation in National Assembly and provincial tures legisla- 5
Part
Part 5:
- 57A Verify source ↗
Schedule 1A applies in general to elections for the National
Schedule 1A generally applies to National Assembly and provincial legislature elections held under this Act, including candidate lists, seat allocation, candidate designation, and filling vacancies.
57A. Schedule 1A applies in general to elections for the National Assembly and provincial legislatures held under this Act, but without detracting from the generality of its application, in particular to- (a) lists of candidates; (b) the allocation of seats; (c) the designation of candidates from lists as representatives in those seats; and (d) the filling of vacancies.”. Amendment of section 59 of Act 73 of 1998 - 16 Verify source ↗
Section 59 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution in
This section amends Section 59 of the Electoral Act, 1998 by replacing wording in subsection (3)(a)(ii).
16. Section 59 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution in subsection (3) for subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (a) of the following subparagraph: “(ii) the registered party [or candidate] represented by that agent; and”. Insertion of section 63A in Act 73 of 1998 10 15 - 17 Verify source ↗
The following section is hereby inserted in the Electoral Act, 1998, after section
The Commission must regularly review voting districts and their boundaries, and when needed it may disestablish, create, or redraw districts. The chief electoral officer must then replace affected map copies with amended ones as soon as possible.
17. The following section is hereby inserted in the Electoral Act, 1998, after section 2.0 63: “Review of voting districts 63A. (1) The Commission must regularly review the established voting districts and their boundaries, taking into account the factors mentioned in section 61, and whenever necessary- (a) disestablish an existing voting district; (b) establish a new voting district and determine the boundaries for that voting district; or ( c ) redetermine the boundaries of an existing voting district. (2) The chief electoral officer must ensure that, as soon as possible after the Commission has acted in terms of subsection (l), affected copies of maps available for inspection in terms of section 63(3) are replaced by amended ones.”. Amendment of section 64 of Act 73 of 1998 - 18 Verify source ↗
Section 64 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended-
The Commission must set up voting stations in each voting district and must give certified copies of the list on request and payment. It may use a mobile voting station only in limited circumstances.
18. Section 64 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended- ( a ) by the substitution for subsection (1) of the following subsection: “(1) The Commission must establish for an election one voting station, or one voting station and a mobile voting station, or only a mobile voting station, in each voting district in which the election will be held.”; (b) by t h x s e r t i o n after subsection (1) of the following subsection: 2.5 30 35 40 “(1A) The Commission may establish a mobile voting station only if- (a) the voting district is a large and sparsely populated area and it is necessary to assist voters who would otherwise have to travel long 45 distances to reach the voting station: or ( b ) the mobile voting station is necessary for use at a prison.”; ( c ) by the deletion of subsection (5); and (d) by the addition of the following subsection: “(6) Upon application by a person to the office of the Commission’s local 50 14 No. 25687 GAZETTE, GOVERNMENT 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT, 2003 representative and upon payment of the prescribed amount, the Commission must furnish such a person with a certified copy of the list.”. Substitution of.Section 66 of Act 73 of 1998 - 19 Verify source ↗
The following section is hereby substituted for section 66 of the Electoral Act,
The presiding officer must set and mark the voting station boundary before voting starts, and may change it later if needed for control and security after consultation.
19. The following section is hereby substituted for section 66 of the Electoral Act, 1998: “Boundaries of voting stations 66. (1) Before the voting station opens for voting on voting day the presiding officer of a voting station must determine the boundary of the voting station after consultation with party agents and members of the security services who are available at that. voting station at that stage. ( 2 ) The presiding officer must demarcate the boundary of the voting station by displaying visible signs, markers or tape along the whole line of the boundary, or at sufficient points along that line, to ensure that the boundary is clearly identifiable by any person present at that voting station. (3) The presiding officer may alter the boundary at any time if it is necessary to do so to ensure proper control and security at the voting station and after consultation with party agents and members of the securitv services who are available at that voting station at that stage.”. 1 - 1 5 10 15 Amendment of section 67 of Act 73 of 1998 - 20 Verify source ↗
Section 67 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the addition of the
The Commission may change a mobile voting station’s route if needed for a free and fair election, and the chief electoral officer must publicise the new route to voters in the voting district.
20. Section 67 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the addition of the 20 following subsections: “(4) The Commission may change the route, including the location and estimated time of stopping, of a mobile voting station if it is necessary to do so for the conduct of a free and fair election. (5) The chief electoral officer must take all reasonable steps to publicise the new route among voters in the voting district in question.”. Amendment of section 86 of Act 73 of 1998 - 21 Verify source ↗
Section 86 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution in
This amendment requires accredited voter education providers to subscribe to a Code issued by the Commission.
21. Section 86 of the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution in subsection (3) for subparagraph (iii) of paragraph (c) of the following subparagraph: “(iii) subscribe to a Code issued by the Commission under section [98] 99 governing persons accredited to provide voter education; and”. Insertion of section 103A in Act 73 of 1998 - 22 Verify source ↗
The following section is hereby inserted in the Electoral Act, 1998, after section
This provision inserts a new section into the Electoral Act, 1998, titled “Conciliation in disputes and complaints.”
22. The following section is hereby inserted in the Electoral Act, 1998, after section 103: “Conciliation in disputes and complaints - 103A Verify source ↗
The Commission may attempt to resolve through conciliation any
The Commission may try to settle certain electoral disputes or complaints by conciliation.
103A. The Commission may attempt to resolve through conciliation any .. Code brought to electoral dispute or complaint about an infringement of . the its notice by anyone involved in the dispute or complaint.”. . 25 30 :3 5 Substitution of section 104 of Act 73 of 1998 - 23 Verify source ↗
The following section is hereby substituted for section 104 of the Electoral Act,
This section says section 104 of the Electoral Act is being replaced with a provision titled “Access to private places.”
23. The following section is hereby substituted for section 104 of the Electoral Act, 40 1998: “Access to private places - 104 Verify source ↗
Members, employees and officers of the Commission have access
Commission members, employees and officers may enter private places only when needed to exercise a power or perform a duty under the Act, and they must make reasonable attempts to notify the occupier.
104 Members, employees and officers of the Commission have access 16 No. 25687 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT, 2003 to private places when that access is necessary for the exercise of a power or the performance of a duty assigned to them by or under this Act. (2) A person mentioned in subsection (1) must ensure that reasonable attempts to notify the occupier of any such private place have been made.”. Amendment of Schedule 1 to Act 73 of 1998 - 24 Verify source ↗
Schedule 1 to the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by-
This section amends Schedule 1 of the Electoral Act and changes the introductory paragraph for the election timetable, while deleting items 13 and 14.
24. Schedule 1 to the Electoral Act, 1998, is hereby amended by- ( a ) the substitution for the introductory paragraph of the following paragraph: “The Electoral Commission hereby gives notice that it has in terms of section [17] - 20 of the Electoral Act, 1998, [determined] compiled the election timetable set out below to apply to the ...................................... (particulars of relevant election) that will be held on ............... (date( s)) . (A reference to “section” in this election timetable is a reference to that section of the Electoral Act, 1998.)”; (b) the deletion of items 13 and 14. Insertion of Schedule 1A in Act 73 of 1998 5 10 15 - 25 Verify source ↗
The following Schedule is
This section inserts Schedule 1A into the Electoral Act, 1998, after Schedule 1.
25. The following Schedule is hereby inserted in the Electoral Act, 1998, after Schedule 1: “SCHEDULE 1A SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATION IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURES 20 (Section 57A) National Assembly
Part
Schedule 1:
- 1 Verify source ↗
Registered parties contesting an election of the National Assembly
Registered parties contesting a National Assembly election must nominate candidates on lists prepared under this Act.
1. Registered parties contesting an election of the National Assembly must nominate candidates for such election on lists of candidates prepared in accordance with this Act. 25 - 2 Verify source ↗
The seats in the National Assembly must be filled as follows:
The National Assembly seats must be filled by half from regional lists and half from national lists, with regional seat allocation determined by the Commission.
2. The seats in the National Assembly must be filled as follows: (a) One half of the seats from regional lists, submitted by the respective parties, with a fixed number of seats reserved for each region, as determined by the Commission, for every election of the Assembly, taking into account available scientifically based data in respect of voters and representations by interested parties. (b) The other half of the seats from national lists submitted by the 30 respective parties, or from regional lists where national lists were not submitted. - 3 Verify source ↗
The lists of candidates submitted by a party must together not contain
A party’s submitted candidate lists must not exceed the number of seats in the National Assembly, and each list must show the fixed order of preference.
3. The lists of candidates submitted by a party must together not contain more names than the number of seats in the National Assembly, and each such list must denote the fixed order of preference, of the names as the party may determine. - 4 Verify source ↗
A party’s lists of candidates must consist of-
A party’s candidate lists must include the required list structure: either a national list plus a list for each region, or a list for each region with the number of names the party chooses, subject to item 3.
4. A party’s lists of candidates must consist of- (a) both a national list and a list for each region; or (b) a list for each region, with such number of names on each list as the party may determine, subject to item 3. - 5 Verify source ↗
The seats referred to in item 2(a) must be allocated per region to the
Seats referred to in item 2(a) must be allocated by region to parties contesting the election, using a quota-and-surplus method.
5. The seats referred to in item 2(a) must be allocated per region to the parties contesting an election, as follows: (a) A quota of votes per seat must be determined in respect of each region by dividing the total number of votes cast in a region by the region under item 2(a). number of seats, plus one, reserved for such ( b ) The result plus one, disregarding fractions, is the quota of votes per seal in respeci of a pariicuiar region. 35 40 45 50 18 No. 25687 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT, 2003 (c) The number of seats to be awarded for the purposes of paragraph (e in respect of such region to a party, must, subject to paragraph (d) be determined by dividing the total number of votes cast in favou of such party in a region by the quota of votes per seat indicated b! paragraph (b) for that region. (d) Where the result of the calculation referred to in paragraph (c yields a surplus of seats not absorbed by the number awarded to : party concerned, such surplus competes with other similar surplusel accruing to any other party or parties in respect of the relevan region, and any seat or seats in respect of that region not awarded ir terms of paragraph (c), must be awarded to the party or partie: concerned in sequence of the highest surplus. ( e ) The aggregate of a party’s awards in terms of paragraphs (c) and (d, in respect of a particular region indicates that party’s provisiona allocation of the seats reserved under item 2 ( a ) for that region. (f) The aggregate of a party’s provisional allocations for the variou! regions in terms of paragraph (e), indicates its provisional allocatior of the seats referred to in item 2(a),, (g) If no recalculation of provisional allocations is required in terms oj item 7 in respect of the seats referred to in item 2 (a), the provisional allocation of such seats in terms of paragraphs (e) and (f) becomes the final allocation of such seats to the various parties, and if such 2 recalculation is required the provisional allocation of such seats, as adjusted in terms of item 7, becomes the final allocation of such seats to the various parties. - 6 Verify source ↗
The seats referred to in item 2(b) must be allocated to the parties
Parties contesting an election are allocated seats under a quota-based formula; if a party’s list is too short, it forfeits the missing seats.
6. The seats referred to in item 2(b) must be allocated to the parties contesting an election, as follows: A quota of votes per seat must be determined by dividing the total number of votes cast nationally by the number of seats in the National Assembly, plus one, and the result plus one, disregarding fractions, is the quota of votes per seat. The number of seats to be awarded to a party for the purposes of paragraph (d) must, subject to paragraph (c). be determined by dividing the total number of votes cast nationally in favour of such party by the quota of votes per seat determined in terms of paragraph (a). Where (the result of) the calculation in terms of paragraph (b) yields a surplus not absorbed by the number of seats awarded to a party concerned, such surplus competes with other similar surpluses accruing to any other party or parties, and any seat or seats not awarded in terms of paragraph (b), must be awarded to the party or parties concerned in sequence of the highest surplus, up to a maximum of five seats so awarded: Provided that subsequent awards of seats still remaining unawarded must be made in sequence to those parties having the highest average number of votes per seat already awarded in terms of paragraph (b) and this paragraph. The aggregate of a party’s awards in terms of paragraphs (b) and (c) must be reduced by the number of seats provisionally allocated to it in terms of item 5(fl and the result indicates that party’s provisional allocation of the seats referred to in item 2(b). If no recalculation of provisional allocations is required in terms of item 7 in respect of the seats referred to in item 2 (b), the provisional allocation of such seats in terms of paragraph (d) becomes the final allocation of such seats to the Vi~iOus parties, and if such a recalculation is required, the provisional allocation of such seats, as adjusted in terms of item 7, becomes the final allocation of such seats to the various parties. 20 No. 25687 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT. 2003 7. (1) If a party has submitted a national or a regional list containing fewer names than the number of its provisional allocation of seats whick item 8 or 9 had such would have been filled from such list provisional allocation been the final allocation, it forfeits a number of seats equal to the deficit. in terms of (2) In the event of any forfeiture of seats :in terms of subitem (1) affecting the provisional allocation of seats in respect of any particular region in terms of item 5(e), such allocation must be recalculated as follows: The party forfeiting seats must be disregarded in such recalculation, and its provisional allocation of seats in terms of item 5(e) for the region in question, minus the number of seats forfeited by it in respect of its list for such region, becomes its final allocation in respect of the seats reserved for such region in terms of item 2 (a). An amended quota of votes per seat must be determined in respect of such region by dividing the total number of votes cast in the region, minus the number of votes cast in such region in favour of the party referred to in paragraph (LE), by the number of seats, plus item 2 (a), minus the number of one, reserved for such region under seats finally allocated to the said party in terms of paragraph (a). The result plus one, disregarding fractions, is the amended quota of votes per seat in respect of such region for purposes of the said recalculation. The number of seats to be awarded for the purposes of paragraph u) in respect of such region to a party participating in the recalculation, must, subject to paragraph (e), be determined by dividing the total number of votes cast in favour of such party in such region by the amended quota of votes per seat indicated by paragraph (c) for such region. Where the result of the recalculation in terms of paragraph (d) yields a surplus not absorbed by the number of seats awarded to a party concerned, such surplus competes with other similar surpluses accruing to any other party or parties participating in the recalcula- tion in respect of the said region, and any seat or seats in respect of such region not awarded in terms of paragraph (d), must be awarded to the party or parties concerned in sequence of the highest surplus. The aggregate of a party’s awards in terms of paragraphs (d) and (e) (4), indicates that in respect of party’s final allocation of the seats reserved under item 2 (a) for that region. such region, subject to subitem (3) In the event of any forfeiture of seats in terms of subitem (1) affecting the provisional allocation of seats in terms of item 6 (d), such allocation must be recalculated as follows: (a) The party forfeiting seats must be disregarded in such recalculation, and its provisional allocation of seats in terms of item 6 (d), minus the number of such seats forfeited by it, becomes its final allocation of the seats referred to in item 2 (b). (b) An amended quota of votes per seat lnust be determined by dividing the total number of votes cast nationally, minus the number of votes cast nationally in favour of the party referred to in paragraph (a), by the number of seats in the Assembly., plus one, minus the number of seats finally allocated to the said party in terms of paragraph (a). ( c ) The result plus one, disregarding fractions, is the amended quota of votes per seat for the purposes of the said recalculation. (d) The number of seats to be awarded for the purposes of paragraph (fl party participating in the recalculation must, subject to to a paragraph (e), be determined by dividing the total number of votes 22 No. 25687 GAZETTE, GOVERNMENT 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT, 2003 cast nationally in favour of such party by the amended quota of votes per seat indicated by paragraph (c). ( e ) Where the result of the recalculation in terms of paragraph ( d ) yields a surplus not absorbed by the number of seats awarded to a party - concerned, such surplus competes with other similar surpluses accruing to any other party or parties participating in the recalcula- tion, and any seat or seats not awarded in terms of paragraph (d), must be awarded to the party or parties concerned in sequence of the highest surplus, up to a maximum of five seats so awarded: Provided that subsequent awards of seats still remaining unawarded must be made in sequence to those parties having the highest average number of votes per seat already awarded in terms of paragraph (d) and this paragraph. (f) The aggregate of such a party’s awards in terms of paragraphs (d) and ( e ) must be reduced by the number of seats finally allocated to it in terms of item 5 (g), and the result, subject to subitem (4), indicates that party’s final allocation of the seats referred to in item 2 (b). (4) In the event of a party being allocated an additional number of seats in terms of this item, and if its list in question then does not contain the names of a sufficient number of candidates as set out in subitem (l), the procedure provided for in this item must be repeated with the changes required by the context until all seats have: been allocated. 8. (1) Where a party submitted both a national and regional lists, the seats finally allocated to it- (a) in terms of item 5(g) must be filled from its regional lists in accordance with its final allocation of seats in respect of the various regions; and (b) in terms of item 6(e), must be filled from its national list in accordance with its final allocation of seats in terms of that item. (2) A seat finally allocated to a party in respect of a region, must, for the purposes of subitem ( l ) ( a ) , be filled only from such party’s list for that particular region. 9. (1) Where a party submitted regional lists only, the seats finally allocated to it- (a) in terms of item 5 (g), must be filled from such lists in accordance with its final allocation of seats in respect of the various regions; and (b) in terms of item 6(e), must be filled from the said lists in the same proportions as the proportions in which the seats referred to in paragraph (a) are to be filled in respect of the various regions for which the party was finally allocated seats in terms of item 5(g) : Provided that if a party was not allocated any seats in terms of item 5(g), the seats allocated to it in terms of item 6(e) must be filled from its regional lists in proportion to the number of votes received by that party in each of the regions : Provided further that surplus fractions must be disregarded, save that any remaining seats must be awarded to regions in sequence of the highest surplus fractions. (2) A seat finally allocated to a party in respect of a region, must, for the purposes of subitem l(a), be filled only from such party’s list for that particular region. 9A. (1) If a party gained no allocation of seats in terms of items 6(b) and (c), but the party gained a provisional seat in respect of the seats referred to in item 2(a), or if a party gained less seats in terms of items 6(b) and (c) than the number of provisional seats in respect of item 2(a), then the provisional allocation of seats in terms of item 2(a) becomes the final allocation of seats for such party, and if a recalculation is required in terms of item 7, the adjusted allocation becomes the final allocation. 24 No. 25681 GAZETTE, GOVERNMENT 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT, 2003 / I (2) If a seat is allocated to a party in terms of sub-item (l), then the determination of seats in terms of item 2(b) must be recalculated as follows: An amended quota of votes per seat must be determined by dividing the total number of votes cast nationally on national ballot papers, minus the votes cast for a party referred to in sub-item (l), by the total number of seats in the National Assembly plus one, minus the seats awarded in terms of sub-item (l), and the result plus one, disregarding fractions, is the quota of votes per seat. The number of seats to be awarded to a party for the purposes of paragraph (d) must, subject to paragraph (c), be determined by dividing the total number of votes cast nationally in favour of each party, excluding those awarded seats in terms of sub-item (l), by the quota of votes per seat determined in terms of paragraph (a). Where the result of the recalculation in terms of paragraph (b) yields a surplus not absorbed by the number of seats awarded to a party concerned, such surplus competes with other similar surpluses accruing to any other party or parties participating in the recalcula- tion, and any seat or seats not awarded in terms of paragraph (b) must be awarded to the party or parties concerned in sequence of the highest surplus. of The aggregate of a participating party’s awards in terms of seats paragraphs (b) and (c) must be reduced by the number it in terms of item 5(f) and the results provisionally allocated to indicate that party’s provisional allocation of the seats in terms of item 2(b). , , 5 10 15 20 25 (3) If no recalculation of provisional allocations is required in terms of item 7 in respect of the seats referred to in item 2(b): the provisional allocation of such seats in terms of paragraph (d) becomes the final allocation of such seats to the various parties, and if such a recalculation is required, the provisional allocation of such seats, as adjusted in terms of item 7, becomes the final allocation of such seats to the various parties. 30 (4) If a party forfeits a seat in terms of item 7( 1) which was allocated to it in terms of sub-item (l), then the seats provisionally allocated to other parties in terms of item 2(b) must be recalculated in terms of item 7(2) and (3), taking such forfeiture into account. 35 Provincial legislatures - 10 Verify source ↗
The number of seats in each provincial legislature are as determined
The number of seats in each provincial legislature is determined under section 105 of the Constitution.
10. The number of seats in each provincial legislature are as determined in terms of section 105 of the Constitution. - 11 Verify source ↗
Registered parties contesting an election of a provincial legislature,
Registered parties contesting a provincial legislature election must nominate candidates on provincial lists made under the Act.
11. Registered parties contesting an election of a provincial legislature, must nominate candidates for election to such provincial legislature on provincial lists prepared in accordance with this Act. 40 - 12 Verify source ↗
Each party is entitled to submit only one list per province, which must
Each party may submit only one list per province, and the list must stay within the seat limit and use the party’s chosen order of preference.
12. Each party is entitled to submit only one list per province, which must contain the names of not more than the number of seats determined under item 10 for the relevant provincial legislature and in such fixed order of preference as the party may determine. - 13 Verify source ↗
The seats determined for a provincial legislature must be allocated to
Provincial legislature seats are allocated to contesting parties using a quota-based formula, with recalculation if a party’s provincial list is too short.
13. The seats determined for a provincial legislature must be allocated to parties contesting an election, as follows-- (a) A quota of votes per seat must be determined by dividing the total number of votes cast in the province concerned by the number of seats, plus one, determined under item 10 for such province and the result plus one, disregarding fractions, is the quota of votes per seat for such province. 45 50 ~ ~~ 26 No. 25687 GAZETTE, GOVERNMENT 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT, 2003 (bl The number of seats to be awarded to a party for the purposes o paragraph (d) must, subject to paragraph (c), be determined b! dividing the total number of votes cast in the province in favour o such party by the quota of votes per seat determined in terms o paragraph (a). Where the result of the calculation i.n terms of paragraph (b) yield: a surplus not absorbed by the number of seats awarded to a part! Concerned, such surplus competes with other similar surpluse! accruing to any other party or parties in respect of the provinct concerned, and any seat or seats not awarded in terms of paragrapk (b), must be awarded to the party or parties concerned in sequencc of the highest surplus. The aggregate of a party’s awards in terms of paragraphs (b) and ( c ) indicates that party’s provisional allocation of seats in the provincia legislature in question. If no recalculation of provisional allocations for a province concerned is required in terms of item 14, the provisional allocatior of seats in respect of that province in terms of paragraph (d) becomes the final allocation of such seats to the various parties, ant if such a recalculation is required the provisional allocation of suck seats as adjusted in terms of item 14 becomes the final allocation ol such seats to the various parties. 14. (1) If a party has submitted a provincial list containing fewer names than the number of seats provisionally allocated to it in terms of item 13 (d): it must forfeit a number of seats equal to the deficit. ( 2 ) In the event of any forfeiture of seats in terms of subitem (l), the allocation of seats in respect of the province concerned must be recalculated as follows: (a) The party forfeiting seats must be disregarded in such recalculation, and its provisional allocation of seats in terms of item 13 (d), minus the number of seats forfeited by it in respect of its list for such province, becomes its final allocation of seats in the provincial legislature concerned. (b) An amended quota of votes per seat must be determined in respect of such province by dividing the total number of votes cast in the province, minus the number of votes cast in the province in favour of the party referred to in paragraph (a), by the number of seats, plus one, determined in terms of item 10 in respect of the province concerned, minus the number of seats finally allocated to the said party in terms of paragraph (a). (c) The result plus one, disregarding fractions, is the amended quota of votes per seat in respect of such province for purposes of the said recalculation. (d) The number of seats to be awarded for the purposes of paragraph (fl in respect of such province to a party participating in the recalculation, must, subject to paragraph (e), be determined by dividing the total number of votes cast in favour of such party in such province by the amended quota of votes per seat indicated by paragraph (c) for such province. ( e ) Where the result of the recalculation In terms of paragraph (d) yields a surplus not absorbed by the number of seats awarded to a party concerned, such surplus competes with other similar surpluses accruing to any other party or parties participating in the recalcula- tion, and any seat or seats in respect of such province not awarded in terms of paragraph (d), must be awarded to the party or parties concerned in sequence of the highest surplus. (f) The aggregate of such a party’s awards in terms of paragraphs (d) and (c) in respect of such province, subject to subitem (3), indicates that party’s final allocation of the seats determined under item 10 in respect of that province. 28 GAZETTE, GOVERNMENT No. 25687 2003 6 NOVEMBER Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT .4CT, 2003 (3) In the event of a party being allocated an additional number of seat: in terms of this item and if its list in question then does not contain thc names .of a sufficient number of candidates as set out in subitem (l), tht process provided for in this item must be repeated with the changer required by the context until all seats have been allocated. Ballot papers - 15 Verify source ↗
There must be separate ballot papers for the election of members 0:
Separate ballot papers must be used for elections of members of the National Assembly and provincial legislatures.
15. There must be separate ballot papers for the election of members 0: the National Assembly and of members of the provincial legislatures. Designation of representatives 16. (1) After the counting of votes has been concluded, the number ol representatives of each party has been determined and the election resull has been declared in terms of section 190 of the Constitution, the Commission must, within two days after such declaration, designate fron: each list of candidates, the representatives of each party in the legislature, (2) Following the designation in terms of subitem (l), if a candidate’s name appears on more than one list for the National Assembly or on lists fo1 both the National Assembly and a provincial legislature (if an election of the Assembly and a provincial legislature is held at the same time), and such candidate is due for designation as a representative in more than one case: the party which submitted such lists must, within two days after the said declaration, indicate to the Commission from which list such candidate will be designated or in which legislature the candidate will serve, as the case may be, in which event the candidate’s name must be deleted from the other lists. (3) If a party fails to indicate to the Commission from which list a candidate will be designated or in which legislature a candidate will serve, such candidate’s name must be deleted from all the lists. (4) The Commission must forthwith publish the list of names of representatives in the legislature or legislatures. Supplementation of lists of candidates - 17 Verify source ↗
No lists of candidates of a party for any legislature may bc
Party candidate lists for any legislature may not be supplemented before representatives are designated under item 16.
17. No lists of candidates of a party for any legislature may bc supplemented prior to the designation of representatives in terms of iten 16. - 18 Verify source ↗
Lists of candidates may, after the designation of representatives ir
Candidate lists may be extended by adding the same number of names at the end if one of the listed events occurs after representatives have been designated under item 16.
18. Lists of candidates may, after the designation of representatives ir terms of item 16 has been concluded, be supplemented by the addition of ar equal number of names at the end of the applicable list, if - ( a ) a representative is elected as the President or to any other executive office as a result of which he or she resigns as a representative of E legislature; (6) a representative is appointed as a permanent delegate to the National Council of Provinces; (c) a name is deleted from a list in terms of item 16(2); or (d) a vacancy has occurred and the appropriate list of candidates of the party concerned is depleted. - 19 Verify source ↗
Lists of candidates of a party referred to in item 16
A party referred to in item 16 may supplement its candidate list once within the first 12 months after representatives are designated, and any supplementation must be added at the end of the list.
19. Lists of candidates of a party referred to in item 16 (1) may be supplemented on one occasion only at any time during the first 12 months following the date on which the designation of representatives in terms of item 16 has been concluded, in order to fill casual vacancies: Provided that any such supplementation must be made at the end of the list. 5 0 30 No. 25687 GAZETTE, GOVERNMENT 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT .4CT. 2003 - 20 Verify source ↗
The number of names on lists of Candidates as supplemented in term:
A party may not put more names on a candidate list than the remaining seats after subtracting its representatives in the relevant legislature.
20. The number of names on lists of Candidates as supplemented in term: of item 18 may not exceed the difference between the number of seats in tht National Assembly or a provincial legislature, as the case may be, and tht number of representatives of a party in any such legislature, Review of lists of candidates by party - 21 Verify source ↗
A party may review its undepleted lists as supplemented in terms o
A party may review its undepleted candidate lists, then supplement them, within seven days after the relevant period ends and annually thereafter.
21. A party may review its undepleted lists as supplemented in terms o and 20, within seven days after the expiry of the perioc items 18, 19 referred to in item 19, and annually thereafter, until the date on which : to submit lists of candidates for an ensuing election, party has following manner: ( a ) all vacancies may be supplemented; (b) no more than 25 per cent of candidates may be replaced; and (c) the fixed order of lists may be changed. in tht Publication of supplemented and reviewed lists of candidates - 22 Verify source ↗
Candidates’ lists supplemented
Candidate lists must be published within 10 days, vacancies must be filled by nomination from the relevant party, and nominations must be submitted to the Speaker in writing.
22. Candidates’ lists supplemented item 21 must in terms of 01 be published by the Secretary tc reviewed in terms of Parliament and the Secretaries of the provincial legislatures within 10 days after the receipt of such lists from the parties concerned. items 18 and 19 Vacancies 23. (1) In the event of a vacancy in a legislature to which this Schedule fill the applies, the party which the vacating member represented must vacancy by nominating a person- (a) whose name appears on the list of candidates- (i) from which that party’s members were originally nominated: or (ii) where applicable, submitted by a party in terms of item S(2) of Schedule 6A to the Constitution; and ( b ) who is the next qualified and available person on the list. (2) A nomination to fill a vacancy must be submitted to the Speaker in writing. (3) If a party represented in a legislature dissolves or ceases to exist and in question vacate their the members 47(3)(c) or 106(3)(c) of the Constitution, the seats in question must be allocated to the remaining parties with the changes required by the context as if such seats were forfeited seats in terms of item 7 or 14, as the case may be. seats in consequence of section Definitions
Part
Schedule 6A to the Constitution; and
- 24 Verify source ↗
In this Schedule-
This provision defines several election-related terms used in the Schedule.
24. In this Schedule- of the Republic of South Africa, ‘Constitution’ means the Constitution 1996, (Act No. 108 of 1996); ‘national list’ means a list of candidates prepared by a party for an election of the National Assembly to reflect that party’s order of preference of candidates in respect of the allocation of seats on a national basis; ‘provincial list’ means a election of a provincial legislature; ‘region’ means the territorial area of a province; ‘regional list’ means a list of candidates in respect of a region prepared by a party for an election of the National Assembly to reflect that party’s order of preference of candidates in respect of the allocation of seats in respect of such region; ‘votes’ means- (a) where it occurs in items 5, 6, 7 and 9, votes cast in an election for the list of candidates prepared by a party for an National Assembly; ( b ) where it occurs in items 13 and 14, votes cast in the election for the provincial legislature of a province concerned; and ( c ) where it occurs in item ib, votes cast in the eiection for the Nationai A s s e m b l y r e s . - ” . 32 No. 25687 GOVERNMENT GAZETE, 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT, 2003 Amendment of section 15 of Act 51 of 1996 - 26 Verify source ↗
Section 15 of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the
The chief electoral officer must register a party when the party applies in the prescribed form and includes the required items.
26. Section 15 of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsections (l), (2) and (3) of the following subsections, respectively: “(1) The chief electoral officer shall, upon application by a party in the prescribed form, accompanied by the items mentioned in subsection (3), register such party in accordance with this Chapter. 5 (2) The form shall, inter alia, make provision for the following: (a) the name of the party: (b) the distinguishing mark or symbol of the party in colour; & (c) the abbreviation, if any, of the name of the party consisting of not more than 10 eight letters [; and (d) the constitution of the party]. (3) [No party not represented in Parliament, a provincial legislature or a so registered unless the] The application [is] local government body may be shall be accompanied by- (a) that party’s deed of foundation which has been adopted at a meeting of, and has been signed by the prescribed number of persons who are qualified voters; (b) the prescribed amount, if any; and [(c) proof of publication in the Gazette of the prescribed notice of the application.] (d) that party’s constitution.”. Amendment of section 15A of Act 51 of 1996 15 20 - 27 Verify source ↗
Section 15A of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the
The chief electoral officer must register a party in a municipality if the party applies in the prescribed form and includes the required items.
27. Section 15A of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsections (1) and (2) of the following subsections, respectively: “(1) The chief electoral officer shall, upon application by a party in the 2.5 prescribed form, and if the application is accompanied by the items mentioned in subsection (2), register such party in respect of a particular municipality. (2) [No party not represented in a municipal council in that municipal area be or areas may be so registered unless the] accompanied by- (a) that party’s deed of foundation which has been adopted at a meeting of, and has been signed by, the prescribed number of persons who are qualified voters; application [is] (b) the prescribed amount, if any; and [(c) proof of publication in a newspaper circulating in that municipal area of the prescribed notice of application.] (d) that party’s constitution.”. Amendment of section 16 of Act 51 of 1996 30 35 - 28 Verify source ↗
Section 16 of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the
The chief electoral officer may not register a party unless the notice-publication waiting period has passed and the proposed party name, symbol, constitution, or deed of foundation does not create confusion or include violent, hateful, offensive, or exclusionary content.
28. Section 16 of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsection (1) of the following subsection: “( 1) The chief electoral officer may not register a party in terms of section 15 40 - 15A, if- ( a ) fourteen days have not elapsed since the applicant has submitted to the chief electoral officer proof of publication of the prescribed notice of application in the Gazette in the case of an application referred to in section 15 or in a newspaper circulating in the municipal area concerned in the application referred to in section 15A. case of an 45 ! 34 No. 25687 Act No. 34,2003 GOVERNMENT GAZE?TE: 6 NOVEMBER 2003 ELECTORAL LAWS .ummmN-r ACT, 2003 (b) a proposed name, abbreviated name, distinguishing mark or symbol men- tioned in the application resembles the name. abbreviated name, distinguish- ing mark or symbol, as the case may be, of any other registered party to such an extent that it may deceive or confuse voters; or (c) a proposed name, abbreviated name, distinguishing mark or symbol men- tioned in the application or the constitution of the party or the deed of foundation mentioned in section 15 or 15A contains anything- (i) which portrays the propagation or incitement of violence or hatred or which causes serious offence to any section of the population on the grounds of race, gender, sex, ethnic origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture or language; or (ii) which indicates that persons will not be admitted to membership of the party or welcomed as supporters of the party on the grounds of their race, ethnic origin or colour.” . 16 section of Amendment of Act 51 of 1996 - 29 Verify source ↗
Section 16 of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the
This section amends section 16 of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996, by changing wording in subsection (4) and inserting a new section 16A.
29. Section 16 of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the substitution in subsection (4) for the words preceding paragraph (a) of the following words: “In considering such an appeal against the refusal to register a party in terms of subsection (l)(a)[(i)] the Commission-” Insertion of section 16A in Act 51 of 1996 - 30 Verify source ↗
The following section is hereby inserted in the Electoral Commission Act, 1996,
A party may apply to change its registered name, abbreviated name, distinguishing mark, or symbol, but the application must include proof of Gazette publication.
30. The following section is hereby inserted in the Electoral Commission Act, 1996, after section 16: 5 10 15 20 “Change of party’s name 16A. (1) A party may submit an application in the prescribed form to the 25 chief electoral officer to change its registered name, abbreviated name, distinguishing mark or symbol. (2) Such an application shall be accompanied by proof of publication in the Gazette of the prescribed notice of application. ( 3 ) Section 16, with the changes required by the context, applies to the 30 chief electoral officer’s consideration of the application and decision to change, or not to change, the party’s registered name, abbreviated name, distinguishing mark or symbol in accordance with the application. (4) If the registered name, abbreviated name, distinguishing mark or symbol is changed as a result of the application, the chief electoral officer 35 shall withdraw the registration certificate issued in terms of section 15 and issue the party with a new registration certificate reflecting the change.”. Substitution of section 17 of Act 51 of 1996 - 31 Verify source ↗
The following
The Commission may cancel a party’s registration on listed grounds, and a registered party must send the chief electoral officer a copy of any changed deed of foundation or constitution within two months.
31. The following Commission Act, 1996: section is hereby substituted for section 17 of the Electoral 40 “Cancellation of registration of party 17. (1) The Commission may [direct the chief electoral officer to] cancel the registration of a party if- (a) [the Commission] after due notice in writing to that party and an inquiry into the matter, the Commission is satisfied that the party no 45 longer functions or has no intention to participate in an election; (b) it is notified by that party in the prescribed manner that the party has dissolved or is intending to dissolve on a specified date; /. 36 No. 25687 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 6 NOVEMBER 2003 Act No. 34,2003 ELECTORAL LAWS AMENDhENT ACT, 2003 IC) that party is not represented in the National Assembly, a provincial legislature or a municipal council and it has not participated in a national, provincial or municipal general election that took place after the date of its registration or after the date when it was last so represented; or (d) that party has changed its deed of foundation or constitution and the -Commission is satisfied that change has resulted in that deed of foundation or constitution containing anything- 5 (i) which portrays the propagation or incitement of violence or hatred or which causes serious offence to any section of the population on grounds of race, gender, sex, ethnic origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture or language; or 10 (ii) which indicates that persons will not be admitted to member- ship of the party or welcomed as supporters of the party on the grounds of their race, ethnic origin or colour. 15 (2) The Commission may not cancel the registration of a party on the (l)(d) unless it has served a notice on the party grounds set out in subsection giving it an opportunity to withdraw or change the offending amendment or part of the amendment and the party has not done so to the Commission’s satisfaction within three months. (3) A registered party shall within two months after having changed its deed of foundation or constitution submit a copy of the changed deed of foundation or constitution to the chief electoral officer.”. Short title
Part
part of the amendment and the party has not done so to the Commission’s
- 32 Verify source ↗
This Act is called the Electoral Laws Amendment Act, 2003, and comes into
This section says the Act starts on a date chosen by the President and announced by proclamation in the Gazette.
32. This Act is called the Electoral Laws Amendment Act, 2003, and comes into operation on a date set by the President by proclamation in the Gazette. 20 25
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