Electing Councillors – A Guide to Municipal Elections

Municipal elections combine ward elections with proportional representation. They are governed by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, the Municipal Structures Act, the Municipal Electoral Act, and the Municipal Systems Act. Additional rules are contained in regulations made under these Acts. The result is an electoral system that is sophisticated but also complex. This manual, written by Jaap de Visser and Nico Steytler, explains the system in an accessible manner. It is intended to assist everyone who participates in municipal elections or contributes to their administration. This includes voting officials, government officials, councillors, candidates, political parties, journalists and members of civil society. It also explains the rules governing the filling of vacancies between elections. This manual is an updated version of the 2021 edition.