The Electoral Commission is calling on citizens to voice their opinions on the potential introduction of electronic voting (e-voting) in future elections.
Public consultations are currently underway across all provinces, aiming to include a wide range of perspectives on this important issue.
How to Share Your Views
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo urged South Africans to submit their proposals, concerns, and suggestions by email to evoting@elections.org.za before the end of September 2025.
“We invite South Africans to share their views on this important matter,” Mamabolo said.
The feedback will be incorporated into a discussion document, which will later be developed into a green paper.
This green paper will then be submitted to the Minister of Home Affairs to progress through the constitutional process.
No E-Voting Yet for Upcoming Elections
Mamabolo emphasized that no final decision has been made on adopting e-voting.
For the upcoming municipal elections, traditional physical ballots will still be used, as there is currently no national policy or legislative framework in place.
New Political Parties on the Rise
Since the 2024 General Elections, the Electoral Commission has registered 34 new political parties, 13 of them between July 2025 and now.
South Africa currently has 472 registered parties, with 287 at a national level and 185 at provincial, district, or municipal levels.
Preparing Candidates for the Next Elections
In November 2025, the commission will begin formal consultations with registered but unrepresented political parties and aspiring independent candidates.
These information sessions are part of preparations for upcoming elections, ensuring all stakeholders are engaged early in the process.
Support for Democracy Encouraged
Mamabolo also urged corporate South Africa to contribute to the Multi-Party Democracy Fund (MPDF).
The fund supports a vibrant democracy and amplifies diverse political voices.
He noted that the Electoral Commission is preparing a report with key recommendations for Parliament’s consideration.
Recent amendments to political party funding regulations, promulgated on 18 August, increased the minimum disclosure threshold from R100,000 to R200,000 and the maximum annual donation limit from R15 million to R30 million.
