OUTA’s submission to the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel calls for a transparent, accountable system that prioritises the voices of the people, serves all South Africans and ensures MPs are accountable to the constituencies. 

Our submission to the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel (ERCP) aims to contribute to discussions on South Africa’s electoral system for the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. Drawing on over 20 years of research, OUTA urges the ERCP to review past reform efforts and involve civil society in creating a fair, transparent system for all.

OUTA references key reports – the 2003 Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Electoral Task Team (ETT) Report, the 2021 MAC Report, and the 2022 Mbete Report – highlighting concerns around accountability, constituency representation, and political party roles. Public debate has focused on whether the current system meets the nation’s needs after 30 years of democracy.

“While the current system has brought some stability, it has also shown its limitations, especially when it comes to accountability and citizen engagement,” says Dr Rachel Fischer, OUTA’s Parliamentary Engagement and Research Manager. “We are advocating for a system that prioritises the voices of the people, ensures MPs are accountable to their constituencies, and promotes balanced, transparent representation.”

Key OUTA recommendations include:

• Promoting active citizen engagement for a responsive civil society.

• Ensuring MPs are accountable to constituencies, not just parties.

• Enhancing local community representation to improve public service delivery.

OUTA also emphasised the need for public education on the Electoral Amendment Act of 2023 and addressing the structural challenges independent candidates face. We stressed that an unbiased, expert-led ERCP is vital for effective reform, with significant input from civil society.

“Electoral reform is a pivotal moment for South Africa,” said Fischer. “We must seize this opportunity to create a system that represents our diversity and restores trust by making MPs accountable to the communities they serve.”

OUTA remains committed to public engagement on electoral reform and urges the ERCP to consider lessons from past reports and the voices of all South Africans.

READ OUTA's submission, Achieving meaningful electoral reform: Comprehensive report for the electoral reform consultation panel, here.

More on OUTA's work on electoral reform is here.