One SA Movement leader Mmusi Maimane and Congress of the People (Cope) President Mosioua Lekota will table a bill in Parliament aimed at electoral reform.

The two politicians address the media outside the National Assembly on Wednesday.

The Direct Election Bill, which Lekota will table in Parliament, is aimed at individuals running for public office following a recent Constitutional Court ruling.  

The apex court ordered Parliament to change the country’s electoral laws to allow for independent candidates  to stand in an election.

The bill will also suggest that the number of MPs be cut down to 350 from the current 400.

Lekota said the bill seeks to ensure that there is a direct relationship between voters and MPs, while at the same time limiting the power given to political parties.

Maimane said the best 350 South Africans should run government.

"Because the truth is - if we all had to be honest with ourselves - the question must always stand - do we have the best 350 and if we do get them then do they speak on yours and my behalf?

"Democracy was designed so that it gives power to individuals to represent us, but also gives mechanisms for us to monitor and be able to provide oversight over that power.”

The bill will be open for public comment.

Jacaranda FM