Johnathan Paoli
Former Arts and Culture Director-General Roger Jardine’s Change Starts Now (CSN) party has confirmed it will not be contesting this year’s national and provincial elections.
In a statement released on Thursday night, Jardine said that a recent Constitutional Court ruling was part of the reason for this decision, specifically a dismissal of an application aimed at challenging the provisions surrounding the submission of candidate lists ahead of the national polls.
Jardine’s three-month old party said this meant new parties would face a prejudicial and logistical timetable to qualify to get on the ballot, and he is among one of the first to admit that it was a gargantuan task.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)’s requirements that speak to signatures, candidate lists, and registration fees for parties to get on the ballot will ensure that only large, well-organized and well-funded parties would be able to perform, he said.
Jardine said his organisation will offer support to parties that share its values and aspirations, and that while people were abandoning the ANC, a lot of political work was needed to unite the nation behind a shared vision.
“We remain committed to bringing together capable, experienced, and dedicated citizens from all walks of life who are ready to work together to reclaim the country’s future. I continue to believe in the importance and obligation of an intergenerational group of dedicated citizens with experience in politics, business, and society, who will work collaboratively to change our country,” Jardine said.
Furthermore, human rights activist Mark Heywood who quit his job to join the outfit said that he would continue with political work, but will no longer work with Change Starts Now.
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