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34 new political parties have been registered since the 2024 national and provincial elections.
(Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Sharp rise in new political parties ahead of 2026 elections

The electoral commission said 34 new political parties have joined the register since last year’s national elections, with more expected before next year’s local government vote

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

Thanasagren Moodley was the highest performing independent candidate with about 12 000 votes. (Suntosh Pillay/X)

Why independent candidates did not perform well in the 2024 elections

South Africa needs to develop strategies and systems to support independents on their electoral journey

How does a continent that has suffered decades of state capture and democratic decline ensure free, fair and participatory electoral processes for effective democratic governance? Technology may be the answer. (Delwyn Verasamy, M&G)

E-voting versus paper ballots

Allowing independent candidates to contest the next general election in South Africa is a boon for democracy. Prof. Colin Thakur asks if it is time to move to an electronic…

Nowhere to go: Zimbabwean
special permit holders outside Home Affairs.
(Madelene Cronjé)

No extension to expiring Zimbabwean exemption permits — cabinet

Holders of expired Zimbabwe exemption permits who are not successful in applying for other permits within 12 months will have to leave South Africa or be deported

President Ramaphosa during the ANC election campaign on 25 October, 2021 in Diepkloof. (Photo by Papi Morake/Gallo Images via Getty Images)

ANC faces toughest poll test of the democratic era

It’s the economy, stupid — but also service delivery and corruption. The ANC asks voters to forgive past sins, while the EFF tries to consolidate itself with wild promises of a…

DA leader John Steenhuisen. Photo: (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Paddy Harper: On gleeful politicians and headless chickens

Paddy Harper doesn’t know who to vote for yet, since the Dagga Party isn’t contesting his ward, but right now what to order for lunch is a more pressing concern

Former DA leader Mmusi Maimane.  (David Harrison/M&G)

Mmusi Maimane doesn’t want DA’s political ‘superstars’

The leader of the new One South Africa Movement says his former party has set itself on a course away from multiracialism after its recent policy conference

Can Electoral Act amendments revive faith in SA’s democracy?
(David Harrison/M&G)

Reforming a broken system: Can Electoral Act amendments revive faith in SA’s democracy?

Pure politics: Incoming Electoral Act changes could revolutionise our political landscape. Or not

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