IEC mulls current requirements for political parties to contest elections

JOHANNESBURG - The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it is mulling the current requirements for political parties and independent candidates to contest the elections.

The calls for a review come amid claims of signature fraud with Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe and Mmusi Maimane’s Build One South Africa accused of forging supporters’ signatures to qualify for the May 29 polls.

The controversy has sparked concerns about the integrity of some of the candidates running for public office.

READ: IEC reveals an increase in the voters roll

Parties and independent candidates vying for seats at the national assembly or provincial legislature are also expected to pay a fee to the IEC.

While a review for next month’s elections may already be too late, IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo says a review is on the cards in the future.

“There’s a need that we relook the total candidate nomination regime for the country.”

Mamabolo said the review would be wide-ranging.

“Of the 70 parties contesting – should we be having so many? Or should we allow more people into the space? All those questions pertain to the quality of the electoral process.”