The South African Constitutional Court hears the Electoral Amendment Act imposes an unequal playing field

South Africa’s Independent Candidates Association says independent candidates being allocated only 200 of the 400 National Assembly seats was irrational and inconsistent with the rule of law. The Constitutional Court heard arguments challenging the Electoral Amendment Act. The association and Build One South Africa want the apex court to declare the act unconstitutional. Legal representative for the association, advocate Griffiths Madonsela, says the act imposes an unequal playing field for independent candidates and political parties in elections:

 

Meanwhile, representing the Department of Home Affairs, Steven Budlender, argued that it makes no sense to change the threshold for independent candidates as it will cause complications: