How to contest national and provincial elections

Parties intending to contest these elections are required to submit lists of candidates in accordance with the requirements of section 27 of the Electoral Act, Act 73 of 1998 (the Act), and the requirements set out in Schedule 1A of the Act.

In terms of section 26 of the Act (requirements for parties to contest and election), a party may contest elections only if that party is registered and has submitted a list of candidates in terms of section 27 of the Act (submission of lists of candidates).

Furthermore, in accordance with section 27(1) of the Electoral Act, a registered party intending to contest an election must nominate candidates and submit a list/s of those candidates for that election to the Electoral Commission's Chief Electoral Officer by no later than the date stated in the election timetable.

The following must be submitted to contest the upcoming National and Provincial Elections:

• The list/s of candidates must be submitted
• in the case of the national list for the National Assembly in a form similar to Appendix 1 – National list;
• in the case of the regional list for the National Assembly in a form similar to Appendix 2 – Regional list;
• in the case of the provincial list for a Provincial Legislature in a form similar to Appendix 3 – Provincial list;
• Acceptance of nomination and undertaking, signed by each candidate in a form similar to Appendix 4 – Acceptance of Nomination; and
• A deposit.

For the full guide to the submission of candidates for national and provincial elections list, click here.