![President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers keynote address during Freedom Day celebration at Union Buildings in Tshwane Municipality, emphasizing significance of reflecting on South Africa's history and development. [Photo: GCIS]](https://theafricadailypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53685302907_dd58d46ff2_k-860x771.jpg)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill into law, paving the way for the upcoming elections. This crucial legislation introduces key changes to campaign finance regulations.
The new law primarily aims to ensure independent candidates receive funding in the same way as political parties. This includes access to state funding and resources after being elected.
However, a controversial aspect of the bill removes the previous R15 million annual cap on external donations to political parties. Additionally, the requirement to declare donations exceeding R100,000 has also been temporarily suspended.
The power to set new limits and disclosure thresholds now lies with the president, but only upon parliamentary instruction. This has raised concerns about a lack of transparency in the immediate term.
On a positive note, the amendment allows independent candidates elected to public office to receive funding from the multi-party democracy fund. This fund, administered by the Electoral Commission and supported by private donors, aims to strengthen democratic processes.
President Ramaphosa also approved the Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill, granting an additional R200 million to registered political parties for their election campaigns.
In a statement, the President described the legislation as providing “tangible and material support for a vibrant, competitive, open and equitable electoral system” in South Africa.
