Electing councillors: A guide to municipal elections

Abstract

The electoral system for local government combines ward elections with proportional representation. It is regulated in at least four different statutes, the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000 and the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000. More rules can be found in various regulations under these Acts. The result is an advanced but complex electoral system. This manual outlines the main features of the system in an accessible manner. The objective is to assist anyone who participates in the election or assists in making it happen. This includes voting officials, government officials, councillors, candidates, political parties and members of civil society. The manual also addresses the rules for filling vacancies in between elections. While the manual is comprehensive. it does not address every detail of the electoral system or every conceivable interpretation of the electoral laws. Further detail can be found in the various acts and regulations or obtained from the Independent Electoral Commission.