The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) disqualified 932 people from standing as candidates in 129 positions in the March 1 municipal elections, it said on Wednesday.
IEC chairperson Brigalia Bam said one of the biggest reasons for the disqualification was that they had not registered as voters for the municipal elections.
”There were also people who wanted to stand in wards where they were not registered. You cannot stand in Waterkloof if you are registered in Sunnyside,” Bam said.
A total of 97 parties and 45 179 candidates will contest the municipal election.
”There is almost a 50% [of 30 477] increase in the total number of candidates from 30 477 to 45 179 which is spread across all nine provinces.”
Two parties, the African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance, would contest the election in all municipalities.
The gender distribution of candidates was 65% male and 35% women.
”This is a bit disappointing. We were hoping there would be more women councillors and mayors,” Bam said.
The certified parties’ and candidates’ list is available from local election officials and is published also on the IEC’s website.