ACDP says proposed DA Bill may not be best suited for South Africa

4 March 2013

“The ACDP supports initiatives to ensure greater accountability and to the degree that the DA’s Private Member’s Bill aims to ensure that MP’s are more accountable to the electorate - the ACDP is in agreement.

However, we are not convinced that the precise model proposed in the Bill is the best model for South Africa.

It might also be in conflict with section 46 (1)(d) of the constitution which requires an electoral system that “results, in general, in proportional representation”.

The changes suggested by the DA are not new and were in fact considered at the time of the Slabbert Commission.

The multi-party aspect of South African politics has proved invaluable in ensuring relative peace, allowing a significant degree of goodwill and nation-building.

A “first-past-the-post” system can leave as much as 49% of people feeling they have lost. Having no representation or voice causes frustration which often results in irrational behavior in an effort to be seen and heard.

The ACDP supports electoral reform but this Private Member’s Bill may not in our opinion find the right balance.”