LAWSON NAIDOO: Accountability must drive electoral reform
Amendment of the system offers a chance to improve parliamentary representation
Pursuant to the Constitutional Court judgment in the New Nation Movement case, it is likely that the electoral system will be altered to incorporate some form of constituency representation. While the legislative changes being considered by parliament are aimed at satisfying the ruling of the court, it is also an opportunity to improve parliamentary representation in SA and strengthen the basis of our constitutional democracy.
The amendment of the electoral system must, however, take into account the trade-offs inherent to changing electoral systems. The two most important principles guiding an electoral system are accountability and fairness; others include simplicity and inclusivity. Accountability means representatives should be held responsible for their performance by constituents, and constituents should have a way to register their disappointment or approval of the conduct of their representatives...
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