IEC looks to increase fees for political parties wanting to participate in elections
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is looking to hike the fees for political parties wanting to participate in next year’s national election.
It’s also proposed the deposit amount for independent candidates, who will for the first time be allowed to contest legislature seats.
The regulations have now been published for public comment.
They form part of the Electoral Amendment Act promulgated in April, which allows independent candidates to contest national and provincial elections.
But it will all come at a price.
The new regulations make provisions to register a political party online.
It also clarifies that a party’s distinguishing symbol as registered with the IEC, will also be the one used on the ballot paper.
Political parties can expect to pay R300,000 to contest the national election and all regional polls.
This is an increase of R100,000.
Contesting a provincial election only will cost R45,000 per poll.
Independent candidates, meanwhile, will have to fork out R20,000 to contest the national election and R15,000 for a provincial legislature.
The IEC says charging a deposit is to minimize frivolity and to ensure contestants are serious about their participation.
Deposits were last adjusted in 2014.
The IEC says the amount proposed for National Assembly elections is being adjusted for inflation.
The proposed regulations also facilitate the nomination of independent candidates and regulate the requirements for their participation in elections.
They further spell out activities permissible by independent candidates and their agents outside voting stations on voting day.
The regulations also aim to simplify the procedure for South Africans registering and voting outside of the country.
The proposed regulations are open to public comment until 27 August.
-EWN
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