Limited period for political parties to review their candidate lists to fill National Assembly vacancies
The Electoral Act makes provision for two review opportunities in the second year after an election, the first being a seven-day period which started on Friday, the day marking a year since members were designated to the assembly.
John Hlophe, alongside members of the MK Party, being sworn in as MPs on 25 June 2024. Picture: GCIS
CAPE TOWN - The window has opened for a limited period for political parties to review the candidate lists used to fill vacancies in the National Assembly.
Of particular interest during this window, is the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party, which has for the past year not filled all of its 58 seats owing to disputes over its lists which have led to court battles and the mass removal of names from its lists.
In the first of two opportunities for this year, political parties have until Thursday to make changes.
The Electoral Act makes provision for two review opportunities in the second year after an election, the first being a seven-day period which started on Friday, the day marking a year since members were designated to the assembly.
Parliament said that during the first period, parties will be able to supplement their lists to fill all existing vacancies.
It may also replace no more than 25 percent of those appearing on the list and also change the order in which they appear in the line of succession.
After that, political parties will only be able to tinker with their lists until 12 June 2026.
Currently, the official opposition has the most vacancies.
MK Party Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has indicated the party plans to fill eight seats.
Last week the party announced after axing Floyd Shivambu as secretary general, that he’s due to make a return to Parliament.
However Parliament said that the party is yet to submit any changes it plans to make, and the speaker is not scheduled to administer the oath to any new MPs this week.