The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has expressed its approval of the appointment of an advisory committee aimed at facilitating comprehensive electoral reforms. This development comes as part of the efforts to implement recommendations outlined in the State Capture Report. Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, provided a report to the committee regarding the advisory committee’s role in evaluating the suitability of directly electing the president.
In his briefing, Motsoaledi stated that the advisory committee would conduct in-depth investigations, considering various case studies from around the world, to determine the most suitable model for the direct election of the president, aligning with recommendations from the Zondo Commission. He emphasized that this extensive research would provide Parliament with a well-informed choice, offering insights into the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.
Additionally, the advisory panel will assess the feasibility of implementing a constituency-based electoral system. This move aligns with a recommendation from the Zondo Commission, which suggested that Parliament should explore the potential benefits of a constituency-based system in empowering Members of Parliament to hold the executive branch accountable.
The Department of Home Affairs is currently in the process of recommending individuals for appointment to the advisory committee, marking a significant step towards comprehensive electoral reforms in South Africa.