Media Statement: The HSF Comments on Electoral Reform

Since 1994, South Africa's national elections have been based on the closed party-list proportional representation system. The details for the first two elections were specified in the interim and final Constitution, but since 1999, it has been possible to make changes to the system through legislation, provided that it results, in general, in proportional representation.

In June 2020, the Constitutional Court directed Parliament to amend the Electoral Act, giving it the opportunity to effect meaningful electoral reform. The HSF’s Anton van Dalsen, in an opinion piece recently published by News24, explains why the Electoral Amendment Bill, in its current form, falls short of meaningful reform. The Bill’s flaws have also been addressed by several civil society organisations in a submission to Parliament, which the HSF endorsed.

Anton’s opinion piece can be read here

The submission endorsed by the HSF can be read here

Media Enquiries:

Anton van Dalsen
anton@hsf.org.za