IRR paper sets out solution for electoral reform quandary

The IRR is proud to publish today a report by respected independent elections analyst Mike Atkins titled The Road to Electoral Reform.

The paper takes an in-depth look at how South Africa has reached a moment that carries the risk of a democratic and constitutional crisis, the country having narrowly avoided such a crisis in 2021.

The paper takes an in-depth look at how South Africa has come to face this moment that contains within it the makings of a democratic and constitutional crisis, having narrowly avoided such in 2021.

Says Hermann Pretorius, IRR director of communications: “In a constitutional democracy, the health and integrity of the electoral systems cannot be overstated. These systems, at local, provincial, and national level, are the foundations of what it means to be able to have a voice and a vote – a say in the future of our country.

“The IRR is proud to have the opportunity to work with Mike Atkins, a highly respected independent elections analyst. In recent years, especially since the Constitutional Court’s judgment in the New Nation­­ case, it has become clear that a constructive, non-partisan contribution to the debate regarding electoral reform is greatly necessary. The paper published today by the IRR is such a contribution.

“The Road to Electoral Reform sets out the current state of electoral reform in South Africa, and shows the significant shortcomings of the Electoral Amendment Bill, only recently approved by the National Assembly, to be something close to a constitutional disaster. The decisions of various parties and officials are shown to have contributed to the dangerous situation our democracy finds itself in. Finally, and crucially, an alternative legislative foundation is set out that will ensure the health of our constitutional democracy.

“We urge all stakeholders to engage with this paper, with us at the IRR and with Mike Atkins. Electoral reform is surely the greatest opportunity for collaboration across all political and ideological boundaries and differences. We cannot allow our democracy to be hijacked or captured or for us to accidentally stumble into a system that simply will keep power in the hands of the powerful.”

Access The Road to Electoral Reform here: https://irr.org.za/reports/occasional-reports/the-road-to-electoral-reform

* Afrikaans-language media are requested to retain the acronym ‘IRR’, rather than using ‘IRV’.

Media contacts: Hermann Pretorius, IRR director of communications – 079 875 4290; hermann@irr.org.za

Marius Roodt, senior analyst at the IRR – 082 779 7035; marius@irr.org.za

Media enquiries: Michael Morris Tel: 066 302 1968 Email: michael@irr.org.za

Sinalo Thuku, Tel: 073 932 8506 Email: sinalo@irr.org.za