83 parties contest Johannesburg municipal elections
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Our City News
Eighty-three parties and independent candidates are contesting Johannesburg’s municipal elections, with more than 7,400 candidates for ward seats. Each ward has at least 49 candidates and voters will receive two ballot papers, reports Our City News.
Eighty-three political parties, including independent groups, are taking part in Johannesburg’s municipal elections in South Africa, according to Our City News. More than 7,400 candidates are contesting ward councillor seats, with at least 49 candidates in each of the 135 wards.
Wards 10 in Lenasia and 18 in Eldorado Park have the most candidates, with 63 each. Four wards have 49 candidates. Party candidates paid a deposit of 2,800 rand, compared with 1,800 rand for independents.
Voters will receive two ballot papers: one to elect their ward councillor and another to choose a proportional representation councillor. The parties contesting the elections include the Organic Humanity Movement, founded by Lauren Evanthia Barnardo, which proposes abolishing political parties and fielding only independent candidates. Parties disagree on municipal coalitions in Tshwane, while the contest in Johannesburg is part of South Africa’s municipal campaign, which has raised the possibility of the ANC losing ground in the metropolis.
