Expect three ballot papers when you go vote in May

For the first time in South Africa’s history, there will be three ballot papers at voting stations, when South Africans head to the polls on 29 May 2024.

In previous elections, there were only two ballots - a National Ballot for the National Assembly (Parliament), and a Provincial Ballot for the Provincial Legislature of the province.

The third ballot is for the regional seats reserved for each of the regions in the National Assembly.

COURTESY: IEC

IEC Western Cape Electoral Officer, Michael Hendrickse, explained that because a region refers to the same territorial area as a province, the terms “regional” and “provincial” are simply to distinguish between the seats reserved for that region in Parliament (regional seats) and seats in the Provincial Legislatures of that province (provincial seats ).

‘’In our case, voters in the Western Cape will therefore receive at their voting stations: A National Ballot – this ballot is the same for the whole country where you vote for a political party only; A Western Cape Regional Ballot - this a vote for an independent or party to fill the regional seats reserved in Parliament for the Western Cape; A Western Cape Provincial Ballot - this is a vote for an independent or party for the Western Cape Provincial Legislature.’’

This follows a changed to the Electoral Amendment Act, to include independent candidates who run for office as a member of parliament.

“It’s a significant milestone in the evolution of our democracy and at its core seeks to expand electoral participation. For example, the Western Cape will specifically be represented in the National Assembly through the regional seats.”

Hendrickse further elaborated on how the 400 seats in the National Assembly are divided.

‘’200 are reserved for the regional seats. Each province thus gets a number of regional seats based on the number of voters in that province. Independents and parties contest for these seats. The remaining 200 seats in the National Assembly is filled by national PR lists of political parties only, as independents are already catered for on the regional ballot(s).’’

“Having knowledge of what to expect at the voting booth will eliminate confusion and will make for a more seamless voting process,” added Michael Hendrickse, IEC Western Cape Provincial Electoral Officer .

 

Done by: Mitchum George