The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said in a press conference that 14,889 candidates will contest 887 seats in the upcoming May 29 election.
“Candidate nominations close on March 8, 2024, and after a verification and challenge process, 70 political parties and 11 independent candidates have been announced as final candidates for these elections,” the commission said. ”.
Fifteen political parties are participating in all stages of the election, including alternate parliamentary seats, nine state-to-national elections, and nine state assemblies.
Thirty-one political parties will contest national elections for the first time.
An analysis of the candidates shows that the majority (58.14%) are men and 41.86% are women. Most candidates are between 40 and 49 years old, and 15 of them are 18 years old and are first-time voters.
After finalizing the list of candidates, the commission will proceed with printing the ballot papers for the election.
Registered voters receive three ballots to elect their representatives to Congress and local councils.
The use of three ballot papers is in line with the revised election law signed into law in April 2023, which allows independent candidates to contest in regional tiers of Congress and state legislatures.
Of the 400 contested seats in parliament, 200 are contested exclusively by political parties and use special ballot papers. The remaining 200 local seats will be contested by independent candidates and political parties, and will also use dedicated ballot papers. Therefore, two ballot papers are required for parliamentary elections.
Elections 2024 | IEC briefs media on election schedule:
[In Progress -Media briefing] The Election Commission reports that preparations for the 2024 national and local elections (NPE2024) have made significant progress. – Mamabolo, IEC CEO pic.twitter.com/89JNwFVDXV
— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) April 16, 2024
🟧Now accepting applications for special voting! If you are infirm, disabled, pregnant, or unable to vote on Election Day, apply now. #SA election 24.
🔹 Apply online: https://t.co/mMsYGkaHCy
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🔹 Please apply during business hours at your local IEC office. pic.twitter.com/2vqFHFDCmU— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) April 15, 2024