Hoe werk Plaaslike Regeringsverkiesings?

This is the Afrikaans version of the video "How do Local Government Elections work in South Africa?" In this video we explain how elections for municipal councils work. This video is part of our Civics Academy Election Series which explores different aspects of elections, and why they are a central feature of democracy. Check out our videos on www.civicsacademy.co.za Municipal elections in South Africa take place every five years and are organised by the Electoral Commission of South Africa to ensure free and fair elections. If you live in a metropolitan municipality, you receive two ballot papers on election day: one to vote for your ward councillor, and one to vote for a political party. Half of the councillors are elected directly in wards, while the other half come from party lists through proportional representation, or PR. If you live outside a metro, you also vote for a district council. In that case, you receive three ballot papers: one for your ward councillor, one for your local council party vote, and one for your district council party vote. Ward councillors are elected directly by voters in a ward. The candidate with the most votes wins. But even if your preferred ward candidate loses, your vote still helps that candidate’s political party gain PR seats on the council. PR seats are allocated according to the percentage of votes each party receives. Parties fill these seats from lists of candidates published before the election. Councillors serve for five years. If a ward councillor’s seat becomes vacant, a by-election is held. If a PR seat becomes vacant, the next person on the party’s list takes the seat. Municipal councils make important decisions about local services, budgets, by-laws, and development in your community. By voting, you help decide who will lead your municipality.