The national assembly consists of between 350 and 400 members of parliament. The people of South Africa vote in general elections for people to represent them in the national assembly. Only people who are 18 years or older can vote in an election. General elections are held every 5 years.

Members of the national assembly are elected according to the system of proportional representation. This means people vote for the party and not for a person. (See: Proportional Representation)

Who Can Be a Member of the National Assembly?

To be a member of the national assembly a person must be: a South African citizen who is registered to vote.

Permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces or members of a provincial legislature or municipal council cannot be members of the National Assembly.

How Does the National Assembly Make Decisions?

The national assembly makes decisions by voting. If the decision is about a new law (a bill), more than half of the members of the national assembly must be present before there can be a vote. If the decision is about anything else, at least one third of all the members must be present. The president is not allowed to vote in the national assembly.