Call for public comments on proposed election rates

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is inviting public comment on their proposed election deposit rates for the upcoming municipal elections.

The proposed rates were recently published in the Government Gazette and apply to any political party or independent candidate looking to contest the elections, which have been scheduled for October 27.

As per Section 14(1)(b) and Section 17(2)(d) of the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act, 2000 (Act 27 of 2000), the proposed rates are as follows:

• R3,500 in respect of an election in a metropolitan municipality
• R2,000 in respect of an election in a local municipality with wards
• R1,000 in respect of an election in a district municipality
• R1,000 in respect of an election in a ward if the party is not contesting PR election or an independent ward candidate

For example, a party that wants to contest all municipal elections across the country would have to pay a deposit of R482,000 for the 4,725 elections and ballot papers it would appear in.

Candidate nominations will open after the official proclamation of the municipal elections by Cogta MEC Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

Public comments can be sent via email to Kgosietsile Tshoke at deposits@elections.org.za or via post to:

Election House
Riverside Office Park
1303 Heuwel Avenue
Centurion
0157