Roger Jardine's Change Starts Now will not contest 2024 elections
In a statement released on Thursday night, Jardine cited a recent Constitutional Court ruling as part of the reason for this decision.
Change is Now leader, Roger Jardine, addressed the Cape Town Press Club on 6 February 2024. Picture: Lindsay Dentlinger/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Former banker Roger Jardine’s Change Starts Now (CSN) party has confirmed it will not be contesting this year's general elections.
In a statement released on Thursday night, Jardine cited a recent Constitutional Court ruling as part of the reason for this decision.
This week, the apex court dismissed an application aimed at challenging the provisions surrounding the submission of candidate lists ahead of the national polls.
Jardine whose party has been on the political scene for less than three months said this means new parties will face a prejudicial and logistical timetable to qualify to get on the ballot.
The Electoral Commission (IEC’s) requirements that speak to signatures, candidate lists, and registration fees for parties to get on the ballot will filter out those simply not ready to play in the big league.
Change Starts Now is probably the first to come out and say it's an impossible task, but it’s likely to not be the last.
Jardine said his organisation will offer support to parties that share its values and aspirations.
While CSN’s electoral ambitions were short-lived, it managed to register for the polls and launch a manifesto that spoke to its vision for the country.
Activist, Mark Heywood who quit his job to join the outfit also told Eyewitness News he would continue with political work, but he will no longer work with Change Starts Now.