Many political parties won’t make it to Parliament: Analyst

 @SITHOLEEXPRESS 

A total of 29 political parties will contest the national elections on May 7.

Wits University's School of Governance Professor Susan Booysen says although a large amount of money has been paid by political parties, some of them may not see their “investment” bear fruit.

Regardless of the deposit money that parties managed to pay, many of them won’t make it to the Parliament, explained Booysen. “It could mean financial wound [for those small parties], like the Kiss party that we have seen in the previous years."

She regrets the fact that individual money is put in the elections, saying that parties that will go to parliament will be refunded their deposit. Booysen also emphasised on the fact that smaller parties will have huge responsibilities once in parliament.

A total of 29 parties will contest the national elections on May 7, following Monday’s deadline for parties to submit all outstanding documentation and pay election deposits.

On Tuesday, the IEC announced that four political parties, including Iqela Lentsango – Dagga Party, Lekgotla for Democracy Advancement and South African Progressive Civil Organisation, were removed from the national ballot paper after failing to submit their documentation and pay election deposits on time.

For parties to participate on the elections, they are expected to pay R200 000, for provincial elections R45000 is required and for all the 10 elections, its R605 000, among other prerequisites.

One of the parties removed from the national ballot paper is the Africa Unite Party (AUP). The party has expressed disappointment. AUP vice-president, Charles Badenhorst says the cut-off affects them as the party. He says they didn’t have money that is requested by the IEC. Badenhorst says he wishes that the IEC can reduce the amount of money so that all parties can afford to participate in the national elections.

Earlier this month, Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) challenged the IEC’s elections deposit model in the North Gauteng High Court.But the court dismissed the application by EFF.

Professor Steven Friedman says the IEC should not change anything regarding the requirements that parties should follow in order for them to contest in the elections. Friedman says the party that can't raise money, it can't win support. He says he doesn't think that the money required by the IEC is high compared to the international standard. 

This article first appeared on SABCNews site. It was done by Sthembiso Sithole.