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electoral reformlatest news & developments
A Tanzanian commission investigating the October 2025 violence has released a report detailing the scale of human and economic losses, concluding that the events were organised

Tanzania inquiry finds 2025 election unrest was organised and financed

Presenting the report, the commission’s chairperson Judge Chande Othman said the inquiry drew on extensive evidence from both primary and secondary sources, including…

The elections announced for 4 November will have a consequential impact on our body politic as municipal polls often project how national elections will turn out.
(Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Electoral Commission of South Africa sets out 2026/27 local election schedule

Chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo urged Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa to announce the election date ahead of proclamation

An ANC volunteer carries a poster of Cyril Ramaphosa as she prepares to erect a party station at the Msholozi Informal Settlement near Brakpan, Johannesburg. (File photo by Delwyn Verasamy/MG)

Why South Africa needs electoral reform: A look at mixed-member proportional systems

The country desperately needs a system that makes politicians accountable to voters, not their political parties

The Electoral Reform Consultation Panel has been tasked with making recommendations for reforms to the electoral system in South Africa. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy, M&G

Electoral reform should be seen as a priority to build trust between voters and politicians

Many politicians have put internal party battles and their own interests over the well-being of citizens, eroding the public’s trust in them and in democratic institutions. This…

People queueing during a distribution of hampers, masks, soap and sanitiser during the Covid-19 pandemic, which was organised by different charities at the Iterileng informal settlement near Laudium, Pretoria, on May 20, 2020. (Photo by Marco LONGARI / AFP)

Roadmap to get public services and infrastructure back on track

As SA’s democracy heads towards 30 years, we need to critically assess what needs to be done differently to become Madiba’s miracle nation

We cannot divorce President Cyril Ramaphosa from the ANC. Now it’s up to citizens to organise for change and mobilise against corruption. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Eusebius McKaiser: What happens if we accept Ramaphosa is a monumental disappointment?

We cannot divorce President Cyril Ramaphosa from the ANC. Now it’s up to citizens to organise for change and mobilise against corruption

Electoral reform should be done within the spirit of strengthening our constitutional democracy, encouraging electoral participation, enhancing accountability and embracing the technological advancements. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Electoral reform: It’s now or never

The pandemic taught us a new normal. It’s time to apply some of the learnings to our electoral system, which is overdue for an overhaul

Beyond elections, active citizenship is needed. Voting is just one way to take responsibility for the outcomes of our democracy. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Electoral reform allowing independent candidates is long overdue

In implementing the Constitutional Court’s recent ruling, legislators will need to rethink the closed list system

Former DA party leader Mmusi Maimane addressed the Cape Town Press Club at the Kelvin Grove Club in Newlands on Wednesday.  (David Harrison/M&G)

Maimane’s Mosa movement to launch within two months

The former DA leader says his new political movement can bring change to South Africa

‘Municipalities should also provide administrative and other support, including for the training of ward committee members,’ writes Paul Kariuki. (Paul Botes/M&G)

The people versus the electoral system

Unelected appointees will always answer to their political party bosses and not to the electorate.

Resistance: Palestinians gather in support of Ahed Tamimi

Put an end to an electoral system that only suits the fat cats

The party system must be taken as a transitional stage of human development.

Clegg tries to patch things up with Europe

Cameron lashes Clegg’s electoral reform hopes

British PM David Cameron has warned Britons to "wake up" to the dangers of electoral reforms championed by his coalition allies the Liberal Democrats.