The United Democratic Movement (UDM) on Thursday said it is imperative that political parties explore avenues to support and facilitate the participation of new entrants in the country’s democracy, to enhance the democratisation of the nation.

But the party acknowledged the recent decision by the Electoral Court, which resulted in Arise South Africa (ASA), Operation Dudula (OD), Cape Independence Party (CIP), Defenders of the People (DoP), and Independent South Africa National Civic Organisation (ISANCO) being excluded from the ballot for the upcoming May elections.

This stemmed from the political parties’ failure to meet Section 27 of the Electoral Act's requirement that party lists be submitted before March 8.

According to the Act, parties need to submit three lists by the deadline, the first being the national candidate list which features political parties contesting seats in the National Assembly.

Secondly, parties were expected to submit their candidate list for the national regional list which features political parties and independent candidates, following the Constitutional Court ruling to include independent candidates. The last list, the provincial candidate list, is for those seeking to be elected into provincial legislatures.

UDM president Bantu Holomisa said that this decision undoubtedly represented a significant setback for these parties and their supporters.

The UDM said it sympathised with their loss and recognised the disenfranchisement felt by their voters.