Resolutions

Whereas The Local Government Election Act, 2015 does not account for adequate Mayoral and Councillor training, including “job shadowing”, prior to a Mayor and/or Councillors being elected; and

Whereas prior to being elected, a Mayor and/or Councillors are unaware of the duties, requirements, meetings, and/or higher professional standard that is required of a position with such authority; and

Whereas Section 15 of The Local Government Election Act, 2015 already exists to forgo a byelection in the same year as a general election; and

Whereas avoiding a by-election within the first year after the main election (every 4 years) would save communities time, money, and other resources;

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate to the Ministry of Government Relations to amend The Local Government Election Act, 2015, to allow for a one year “grace period” with the Mayor and/or Councillors, wherein if a Mayor and/or Councillor steps down or ceases to fill their position within one year following a general election, the candidate, if the original position was not acclaimed, with the next highest number of votes would acclaim the position.

Acts affected: The Local Government Election Act, 2015

Regions/Sectors: ALL