BLF opposes ‘exclusionary’ poll deposit

THE Black First Land First (BLF) yesterday voiced its objection to the payment of a deposit to the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) by parties wishing to contest the general elections next year.

This comes after the IEC had called on the public and interested parties to make submissions on deposits to be paid by registered parties wishing to contest the 2019 general elections.

Present regulations provide for parties wishing to contest the National Assembly to pay R200 000 as a deposit and R45 000 for individual provincial legislatures.

BLF and African Democratic Change (ADeC) described the amounts as unreasonable and served to exclude rather than ensure participatory democracy. BLF leader Andile Mngxitama said he was disappointed that the electoral body did not use the opportunity to listen to South Africans who were poor and wanting to participate in the electoral process.

“As it stands the South African electoral system is exclusionary and for the wealthy. It makes a mockery of democracy and participation,” Mngxitama said.

He said his party previously proposed that an alternative system be used as opposed to the payment of deposits.

“Parties that wish to contest must show they have a number of voters equal to votes required to get seats. That would be democracy for all,” Mngxitama said.

He was adamant that payment of a deposit to contest elections was fostering “capture” of the National Assembly and of political parties.

“A tax dodger, Adriano Mazzotti, paid for the EFF to be in Parliament. We will reject this out of hand. We will reiterate our sound position,” Mngxitama said about the submission to be made before October 26.

The ADeC said the regulation was an exclusionary measure to limit parties from carrying out the mandate of its constituencies.

“We cannot and must not allow this recommendation or any like it to pass. We are aware that not all new parties have the economic capacity to raise funds as they don’t have access to the political party fund,” secretary-general Nathaniel Denton Bricknell said.

Bricknell said his party wanted the deposit fee to be reduced to R50 000 for National Assembly and R20 000 for individual provincial legislature.