Phiwokuhle Mothemela
Build One South Africa (BOSA) says it will make two written submissions arguing for an electoral system that improves accountability, attracts expertise and talent, and improves governance.
On Tuesday party spokesperson Roger Solomons said BOSA had been calling for an electoral system that allows for people to vote for their leaders directly and not through political parties.
He says the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel has now been constituted and has asked for written submissions for its consideration on why and how the current electoral system should be reformed.
"BOSA will make detailed, written submissions arguing for a constituency-based system that allows for Members of Parliament to be directly elected and held directly accountable by citizens instead of political parties; and for the direct election of the President of the Republic in a presidential election."
He says the proposed electoral system will take the voice of the people to apply the requisite pressure, as political parties have been dragging their feet over the past four years in an attempt to avoid making the wide-reaching changes needed.
"We have launched two petitions asking South Africans to support these calls, and will be submitting those signatures and comments alongside our submission. It will take the voice of the people to apply the requisite pressure, as political parties have been dragging their feet over the past four years in an attempt to avoid making the wide-reaching changes needed," Solomons said.
He added that these changes were advocated in the Zondo Commission report, which made recommendations to change how South Africans elect their President and their Members of Parliament in Part VI Vol. 4 of the report.
Secondly, he said the report recommends the direct election of the President – as like in many developed countries. This would mean voters can directly elect and remove the President – ensuring the most competent person is elected to lead South Africa.
"South Africans deserve to choose the best of the best for our government: doctors, nurses, schoolteachers, activists, entrepreneurs, miners, factory workers, IT experts, academics, environmentalists, businesspeople, and governance specialists - people who work hard, know how to get things done, and want to see South Africa thrive. And we can only do this through a new electoral system."
