Political parties and independent candidates intending to contest the 2024 polls will be in a race to beat the 5pm deadline to hand in their nomination documentation.
Some parties such as ActionSA, Build One South Africa and the Freedom Front Plus say they have already made their submissions at the Electoral Commission (IEC) headquarters in Centurion.
Last night, the ruling African National Congress held a special meeting of its National Executive Committee to finalise its lists.
Parties must present proof of deposits paid and their list of candidates; a maximum of 19 if they intend to contest in all national and provincial polls.
Signatures denoting support for independent and unrepresented political parties must also be submitted to the IEC.
Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, details what is required by 5pm today.
“It’s proof that they have paid their prescribed deposits, they also need to bring their candidates nominated for the different lists for participation that would include their compensatory lists, the nine regional lists – if they choose to contest all nine regions – as well as the various provincial lists. In respect of independents – additional to the prescribed deposits, they also need to bring supporting signatures of people who support their candidature in respect of independents. The number is 1 000 signatures, and it varies for unrepresented political parties because it is based on the quota of votes that needed to be secured to get a seat in the previous election.”
The tweet below details what the IEC requires:
🗓️ Reminder: Candidate nominations for 2024 National and Provincial Elections close tomorrow, 8 March! Submit your nomination online or at IEC National Office, Centurion (only) before 5PM.
For more information, visit https://t.co/6eyFAAFtW1 pic.twitter.com/sdbH4COe8g
— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) March 7, 2024
Extension
Meanwhile, the IEC is facing a court challenge for the deadline to be extended.
The newly formed Labour Party, originating from the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, will argue in the Gauteng High Court that contestants need more time.
VIDEO | IEC facing court challenge as candidate submission deadline looms:
