DURBAN – The Electoral Commission of South Africa has turned down an application by the Islamic State of Africa (ISA) to register as a political party, citing procedural and constitutional concerns.
The decision, announced on Friday, follows the party’s failed attempt to meet the necessary requirements for registration within the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. According to the Commission, ISA’s application was denied on three separate grounds.
Firstly, the party did not meet the minimum threshold of 300 supporting signatures from registered voters. These signatures, along with full names and voter details, are required to demonstrate public backing for any new political party.
Secondly, ISA published its notice of application in a newspaper with limited circulation confined to parts of eThekwini, rather than reaching the full geographic area tied to its municipal-level registration bid. The Commission maintained that the purpose of publication is to inform all potentially affected residents, which was not achieved in this case.
Thirdly, over 200 formal objections were received from individuals and civil society organisations, who argued that ISA’s constitution proposes policies based on Sharia law. Objectors argued that this direction runs counter to the country’s secular and inclusive constitutional framework, and that registering such a party would cause offence to a segment of the population.
The Commission has informed ISA that it has 30 days to appeal the decision, should it choose to do so.
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