Voting took place on Thursday afternoon with 232 MPs voting in favour of the bill and 98 voted against it.

There were three abstentions.  

"The I's are 232, the no’s 98, and the abstentions are three. The question is accordingly agreed to," announced house chairperson Madala Ntombela.

The bill has been slammed, and labelled as a threat to democracy, by the Democratic Alliance, smaller political parties and civil society.

Some organisations say there was not enough time for public consultations.

However the African National Congress, which has largely supported the Bill, said otherwise.

MP Kavilian Brandon Pillay said the portfolio committee did its best to ensure that public consultations were done thoroughly, meaningfully and effectively.

"It is also to be noted that the committee was granted the permission to work throughout the constituency period of June, July and September in order to complete this important task.  

"The team work carried out in this entire process is highly recommendable. We can be satisfied that this committee of the national assembly has carried out its duty of fulfilling public involvment and participation."

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who also voted for the bill, said it is an opportunity to defend the people’s constitutional rights.

"We also take this opportunity to jealously guard and defend our constitutional rights and permissibility as democratically elected members of parliament to pass legislation. We have now written the law on independent candidates and once it has been approved by the NCOP, it must be signed into law and we must start preparing for the 2024 general elections."

The Democratic Alliance has voted against the bill, which will see independent candidates contest national and provincial elections.

Civil society organisations believe the bill is unfair and unjust to independent candidates.

They also believes the bill will significantly disenfranchise voters.

The DA's Adrian Roos said electoral reform should occur around shared values.

"We need electoral reform based on shared values, we need a government built around shared values. We do not have the time to have this taken to court for obvious shortcomings. These matters will be made in court if we do not make the only rational decision here and send this bill back to the committee to make the necessary changes." 

The bill will now be will be sent to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for concurrence.

Jacaranda FM