IEC announces plans to deregister inactive political parties

Some 192 political parties could be deregistered on 24 March if they don’t show their intent to contest future elections.

This was announced by IEC national spokesperson Kate Bapela, who said there are several benefits enjoyed by registered political parties.

“These are, among others, that the political party is entitled to protection by the commission of its full name, abbreviation of its name, and its logo or symbol.

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“In return, certain obligations are imposed on registered parties. Among those is that a party that is not represented in a municipal council, provincial legislature or the national assembly must indicate to the commission its continued existence.

“This prescribed indication must be received before the end of January each year,” she said.

The IEC has 609 registered political parties, of which 383 are registered at a national level, while the balance of 226 are registered provincially or at municipal level.

Bapela said 192 political parties are not represented in any legislative body, have not contested general elections since they were registered, and had not renewed their registration by 31 January 2025.

She said they have, in accordance with the Electoral Commission Act, given written notice to these parties of the IEC’s intention to cancel their registration.

“These parties have until 24 March 2025 to make representations.

“Given increased contestation in elections and the ever-increasing entrance of new political parties, it is crucial that the register of parties is kept current, and those parties with no intention of contesting future elections are de-registered.

“It is also important to correct the artificial size of the register and avoid unnecessary confusion for voters.

“Moreover, the cancellation of inactive parties will free the usage of names, abbreviated names and colour schemes for the logos of aspirant real contestants,” she said.

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