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proportional representationlatest news & developments
Party control over MPs violates the separation of powers between the executive and the legislature, which came to light during Jacob Zuma’s presidency. Photo: File

Democracy at a crossroads in South Africa – and the US

Democracy – government of the people, by the people, for the people – cannot prevail while wealth is concentrated in the hands of the few

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

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

GNU talks down to the wire as parties deadlock on key portfolio

Negotiations have involved who will get what, and how many portfolios, in the new cabinet

Uncovering the rot: Merely being able to watch Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo do his commission’s work live on TV has already affected how South Africans demand accountability, experts say. (Felix Dlangamandla/Gallo Images/Netwerk24)

SA received Zondo’s real gift well before Christmas

A too narrow focus on the number of convictions from the final report of the state capture commission will mean a failure to see the impact it has already had

DA candidate for Nkandla local municipality Malibongwe Dubazane  (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Mission implausible for the DA’s man in Nkandla

Malibongwe Dubazane is contesting all 14 of the IFP-run Nkandla local municipality’s wards

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

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