Emerging political leaders: Fresh faces vie for power

A total of 27 new political parties are participating in the highly anticipated 2024 general elections, according to an EWN report. 

Pearl Mncube, an independent political analyst and senior stakeholder-relations consultant at Frontline Africa Advisory, said the increase in parties and independent candidates simply provides more options for voters to consider.

“Being provided with more options, increases the likelihood of voters finding representation with a specific party or candidate, hopefully without having to compromise too much of their own values and principles,” she said.

Increased political competition is positive

Mncube said representation matters in the National Assembly. “Diverse representation in parliament ensures greater exposure to a wider range of issues.”

She said research has proven that an increase in ‘political competition’ usually results in more positive policy outcomes for citizens. 

In total, the National Assembly has 400 members. The number of seats that a party has in the Assembly is in proportion to the number of voters that voted for it in the elections.

“In a bid to garner support, parties are more likely to develop proposals that would be relevant and more popular amongst voters,” Mncube said, adding that with many options comes the likelihood of coalition arrangements, which do not have the most positive history in our country (at local government level). “This is a worrying possible outcome for many, although the chances of a national coalition government at this stage are slim,” she said.

“All in all, it is the responsibility of voters to consider proposals and find platforms that represent their values and proposals. The availability of options ensures that they are likely to do so.”

Diverse voices showcased

This year, South Africa marks 30 years of democracy and its 7th national election this Wednesday, 29 May 2024.

The Independent Electoral Commision’s chief electoral officer, Sy Mamabolo, emphasised the significance of the proliferation of political entities. “The emergence of these new parties reflects the vibrant democracy of South Africa, showcasing the diverse voices and aspirations of its citizens,” he said at a media briefing on 26 March 2024. 

Mamabolo elaborated on the logistical implications of the added parties saying, “With a total of 52 parties on this year’s ballot paper, the configuration will be a dual column, reflecting the diverse choices available to voters. The regional or province-to-national ballots will showcase political parties and independent candidates contesting for the seats reserved for each province in the National Assembly [Parliament].”

The new parties nationally are: 

1. South African Rainbow Alliance
2. Arise South Africa
3. Build One South Africa (BOSA)
4. Action SA
5. uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party)
6. #Hope4SA
7. National Coloured Congress
8. Citizans
9. Northern Cape Communities Movement
10. Organic Humanity Movement
11. XILUVA
12. All Citizens Party
13. African People’s Movement
14. African Transformation Movement
15. Africa Restoration Alliance
16. Able Leadership
17. Abantu Batho Congress
18. African Content Movement
19. South African Royal Kingdoms
20. Sizwe Ummah Nation
21. Patriotic Alliance 
22. People’s Movement for Change
23. African Hearts Congress
24. Referendum Party
25. Forum 4 Service Delivery
26. Conservatives in Action
27. Rise Mzansi

Lungile Matsuma