With the 2029 national and provincial elections approaching, there is a rapidly closing window for meaningful electoral reform, especially reforms that would introduce a constituency‑based component to strengthen accountability to voters, something which has been repeatedly requested by participants in public consultations.

Reforms of this nature are likely to be time‑consuming and entail technically complex and politically sensitive processes that require robust planning and an adequate lead‑time.

Against this backdrop, the Foundation seeks to safeguard the possibility of implementing substantive electoral reform before 2029. In a constructive spirit, and without presuming to direct internal processes, the Foundation has respectfully requested swift action to ensure Parliament fulfils its legal obligations, by ensuring that any necessary legislation can be processed in good time.

Such swift action is also necessary to leave the demarcation authority sufficient time to complete the necessary demarcation. And to give the Independent Electoral Commission enough time to prepare for the fast approaching 2029 election.

Thus, the Foundation has respectfully made the following urgent requests to Honourable Dr Leon Schreiber (MP Minister of Home Affairs), Honourable Angela Thokozile Didiza (Speaker of the National Assembly), Honourable Mosa Chabane (Chairperson, Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs) and Honourable Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane (Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces):