THE FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION'S ELECTION SERIES

ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE OF ELECTION MANIFESTOS FOR THE 2024 SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ELECTIONS WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS

The assessment of 17 parties aims to evaluate how well each manifesto aligns with the Constitution’s core values, with a particular emphasis on compliance with the Bill of Rights. 

                            Read the Executive Summary

                   Read the Comprehensive Assessment 

                             View the Compliance Index

                            View the Manifesto Ranking

CONSTITUTIONAL MEASUREMENT OF POLITICAL PARTIES’ ACTIONS

As the 2024 elections loom on the horizon and South Africa finds itself at a critical juncture, the FW de Klerk Foundation launches its Election Series, aimed at understanding the intricate fabric of democracy in our nation.

1. 

Why We Need Political Parties – But Perhaps Not So Many

Christina Teichmann, the FW de Klerk Foundation’s Deputy Chairperson, recognises the 2024 elections as a turning point in South Africa’s democratic evolution with the rise of independent candidates and a diverse array of parties signalling a shift towards pluralism.

2. 

Global Challenges in Electoral Governance

Ezra Mendel and Shaun Kinnes, Interns at the FW de Klerk Foundation, assess what electoral governance is, as well as the various hurdles it encounters and possible solutions. 

3. 

Analysing the Impact of Electoral Laws on Constitutional Integrity

Ezra Mendel, Siyakudumisa Zicina and Ismail Joosub assesses recent court judgements, electoral laws and legislative developments to gauge their impact on South Africa’s constitutional integrity, as far as electoral laws are concerned.

4. 

Understanding the Rise of Authoritarianism and its Effects on Global Elections

Siyakudumisa Zicina considers 2024 as a major test for liberal democracy and reviews the turn towards authoritarianism for most of the world… 

5. 

Unpacking Political Rights, Limitations and the Zuma Dilemma

In this article, Ismail Joosub and Siyakudumisa Zicina will look at the intricate balance between political rights and legal obligations in South Africa, particularly amidst the controversy surrounding Former President Jacob Zuma’s candidacy.

6. 

Coalition Governance in South Africa: What Happens Now? 

In this article, Daniela Ellerbeck and Ismail Joosub look at what (if anything) the Constitution says about such a coalition, the ramifications of a deadlock in electing a President and the need for a Government of Constitutional Unity.

7. 

Unity , Stability, Peace and Progress are now of Critical Importance for South Africa 

The Executive Director of the FW de Klerk Foundation welcomes the ANC’s NEC’s consideration of establishing a Government of National Unity.

8. 

Coalitions in Focus: Local and Municipal Governance in South Africa

Daniela Ellerbeck and Ismail Joosub discuss South Africa’s form of local government (municipalities) and how municipal councils are elected and composed, with consideration of the Constitution, the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998, as well as coalitions’ track record of service delivery in certain areas.

9. 

The Imperative of Formalising Coalition Agreements in South Africa

In this article Ismail Joosub considers the instability of South Africa’s coalition governments by exploring legislative efforts aimed at formalising these agreements and the necessity of detailed coalition agreements to secure coherent policy implementation.

10. 

Cybersecurity and the Changing Electoral Landscape

Shaun Kinnes examines the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding voter data, ensuring confidence in the integrity of the election process and that voter perceptions are not externally manipulated.

11. 

Comparative Analysis of Political Party Positions Going into a Government of National Unity

The ANC has laid out specific conditions for political parties interested in joining its GNU. Ismail Joosub explores how numerous parties have responded to the ANC’s conditions.

12. 

Independent Candidates and South Africa’s 2024 General Elections

South Africa’s 2024 General Elections have been marked as one of the most vital and controversial elections since the 1994 election that ushered in South Africa’s new dawn of democracy and freedom. Not only was the election hotly contested, but it was the first to feature independent candidates.

13. 

Provincial Power Play: Navigating Coalitions in Post-Election South Africa

South Africa’s 2024 National and Provincial elections have significantly changed the country’s political landscape as no single party won an outright majority (more than 50% of the seats). Thus, cooperation between parties is needed.

14. 

The FW de Klerk Foundation Congratulates President Ramaphosa on his Inauguration, Wishes Him Well for Achieving GNU’s Basic Minimum Programme of Priorities

The FW de Klerk Foundation congratulates President Cyril Ramaphosa on his inauguration as the President of South Africa today.

15. 

Ensuring Free and Fair Elections in South Africa: A Critical Analysis

Ismail Joosub, the FW de Klerk Foundation’s Legal Officer, examines what constitutes free and fair elections in South Africa, exploring the legal framework, the role of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), international standards and the challenges faced in upholding electoral integrity.

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