Eight Candidates Chosen for Three Open Positions at the Electoral Commission
Johannesburg – The Electoral Commission has revealed the eight candidates who have been shortlisted for three open positions.
The panel responsible for recommending candidates as Commissioners to the National Assembly for these positions convened on July 21 and 22, 2025, conducting interviews with a total of 10 candidates. The meeting was chaired by Chief Justice Maya.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the Electoral Commission announced that the panel has unanimously put forward the following eight candidates for consideration by the National Assembly:
Chief Justice Maya, in her role as Chairperson of the Panel, noted that the eight shortlisted candidates are as follows:
- Judge MI Madondo
- Judge D Pillay
- Adv. C Chaplog-Louw
- Mrs. J Pitso
- Mr. G Abrahams
- Mr. MS Moepya
- Dr. RL Martin
- Mr. NX Nyembezi
The current terms of office for Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mr. MS Moepya, along with Commissioners Dr. NP Masuku and Judge D Pillay, are set to conclude on November 4, 2025.
In light of this, Chief Justice MML Maya was approached by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. T Didiza, MP, to initiate the process of filling the three impending vacancies due to the expiration of the aforementioned Commissioners’ terms.
In accordance with section 6 of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996 (the Act), the process for filling these vacancies will follow these steps:
(a) The Speaker of the National Assembly requests that the Chief Justice assemble a Panel to commence the vacancy-filling procedures.
(b) The Chief Justice establishes a panel chaired by herself, which also includes the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, the Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, and the Public Protector.
(c) Following section 6(4) and the principles of transparency and openness, the Chairperson of the Panel issues a notice inviting applications.
(d) (e) (g) (f) After collecting applications, the Panel creates a shortlist.
Upon completing interviews, the Panel submits a recommended list of candidates to the National Assembly committee referenced in section 6(2)(d) of the Act.
Section 6(1) of the Act specifies that among the five members of the Commission, one must be a judge.
Section 6(4) of the Act mandates the Panel to present at least eight recommended candidates to the National Assembly committee mentioned in subsection 6(2)(d).
The Panel will adhere to principles of transparency and openness, ensuring that recommendations are based on qualifications, experience, and overall suitability.
Formed in accordance with section 6(3) of the Act, the Panel tasked with interviewing the candidates includes Chief Justice Maya as Chairperson, Mr. C Nissen, the Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, Advocate N Sepanya-Mogale, the Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, and Advocate K Gcaleka, the Public Protector.