The ANC, backed by the EFF, forced through the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill in the National Assembly on Tuesday, despite other opposition parties' threats of litigation as they see the bill as an ANC "smash and grab" to fill its coffers with a larger share of public money for political parties.
The bill was intended to address consequential amendments to electoral legislation following the enactment of the Electoral Amendment Act that allows independent candidates to participate in national and provincial elections.
However, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi introduced a bill that also tinkered with party funding beyond merely bringing it in line with independents' participation.