The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs on Tuesday called for public comments on the shortlisted candidates vying for the job of Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

Members of the public or organisations have until Friday, August 24 to make their submissions.

This follows the candidates’ interview process undertaken by a panel led by the Chief Justice, as per Section 6 of the Electoral Commission Act.

The eight candidates recommended are Reverend Bongani Blessing Finca, Ms Maletlatsa Monica Ledingwane, Ms Nomonde Tantaswa Mapetla, Dr Nomsa Praisy Masuku, Mr Mosotho Simon Moepya, Ms Bernedette Muthien, Ms Liepollo Lebohang Watseba Pheko and Judge Dhayanithie Pillay.

Committee chairperson Hlomani Chauke said the decision was taken to enable a participatory process in line with the strategic objectives of the fifth Parliament.

Chauke said that the committee considered it prudent to allow members of the public to make inputs that might influence the committee’s recommendations, as the IEC is at the centre of South Africa’s democratic dispensation, adding that it was only logical to include South Africans in the selection process.